Falafel Wrap

Level up your lunch game with this delicious wholesome Falafel wrap. Bursting with flavors from the crispy falafel, fresh veggies, creamy hummus and tahini dressing that makes you want more with every bite!

Falafel has to be one of my all time favorite foods to eat! They’re crispy balls of goodness filled with chickpeas and fresh herbs which are packed with protein. Perfect to serve up on a mezze platter as an appetizer or fantastic as a main meal. Here I've used them to make a wholesome falafel wrap which is a flavor bomb in every bite!

I've jam packed this falafel wrap with all of my favorite fillings. Starting with creamy hummus, fresh lettuce, tomatoes and crunchy pickles. I also love adding a layer or either pink pickled onions or sumac onions for a little tang before drizzling with a delicious tahini dressing…ah yum! I'm literally salivating whilst typing this up! The sandwich filling options are endless really and you can feel free to use what you have on hand.

You can of course make this wrap with store bought falafel, but I'm going to show you how to make delicious homemade falafel. All you need is a food processor and the rest is super easy! You can even take it a step further and make homemade hummus which takes only minutes to make and so much yummier than store bought. You literally whip it up in the same food processor!

Now it might sound like a big process, but it's actually amazing for meal prep. You prep all of the ingredients once, then you can have a quick, amazing falafel sandwich for days. It's also naturally vegan so everyone can enjoy it too 🙂

I love Middle Eastern food, especially when it comes to street food, and falafel wraps have always held a huge place in my heart. They take me back to busy marketplaces in Dubai when you can grab them on the go and they would never disappoint. I also was raised in a suburb in Sydney Australia, which had a large Middle Eastern community, so since childhood I've grown up eating these delicious flavors and love remaking these recipes.

Table of Contents

• Why you'll love this Falafel Wrap
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Filling Ideas
• How to make Falafel Wrap
• Tips and Tricks
• Storage, Reheating and Freezing
• FAQs
• More Sandwiches
• Recipe
• Comments

Why you'll love this Falafel Wrap

1. Flavor bomb: Every bite is a burst of different flavors and textures that work in harmony together. Crispy falafels, fresh vegetables, tangy onions, hummus and creamy tahini sauce
2. Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fibre and nutrients from the falafel and fillings making this falafel sandwich a complete meal 
3. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fillings, preferred sauce and what you have on hand to create your perfect falafel wrap. There aren't any rules
4. Easy to make: With simple ingredients and steps. You can make your own homemade falafel and hummus or also use store bought for convenience

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Dried chickpeas are soaked overnight and are the base of our falafels. Canned chickpeas aren't recommended as they're already pre-cooked and can make the falafel mushy on the inside. Other legumes such as fava beans or lentils are also popular when making falafel
• Fresh herbs bring so much freshness and flavor. I've used a combination of parsley, cilantro (coriander), mint leaves and green onions. If you don't have all of them thats ok, you can really use what you have on hand
• Garlic adds to the flavor, you don't need many so it doesn't overpower the falafel. Shallots are also a great substitute 
• Chickpea flour is the binding ingredient bringing all the goodies together, and is naturally gluten-free. It also adds to the flavor and protein too. You can use all-purpose flour
• Cumin is a lovely warm spice bringing earthiness and depth. If you like a little kick, add a touch of cayenne pepper or chili powder
• Baking powder is a secret ingredient which helps the falafels become light and fluffy on the inside 

Filling Ideas

• Pita or Lebanese bread are my go-to breads for the wrap. You can also use wholegrain wraps, tortillas or your preferred bread. Just make sure its a soft wrap which wont tear when wrapped 
• Hummus is the creamy base to the falafel wrap. You can use store-bought hummus or make your own homemade hummus which is so easy. Tzatziki sauce would also be a great substitute
• Sumac onions or pickled onions add a delicious tang to each bite. Both are really easy to make otherwise red onions work too
• Pickles are truly one of my favorite ingredients to add! They're crunchy, acidic and so good
• Tahini is the base for our creamy sauce. Its whisked with lemon juice and cold water
• Tomatoes and lettuce add freshness and vibrance. Other great veggies are carrots, cucumbers, baby spinach, bell peppers and shredded cabbage
•  If you like it spicy, feel free to also add chili sauce or my sriracha aioli for a little kick 

How to make Falafel Wrap

1. Soak dried chickpeas in a large bowl in water overnight (min 8 hrs)
2. Drain chickpeas and rinse under cold water. Pulse a few times in a food processor so they're chopped a little (as pictured)
3. Chop herbs roughly and add to the food processor with cumin, baking powder, garlic, flour and water. Season with salt and pepper
4. Pulse all ingredients until well combined and finely chopped
5. Using wet hands, spoon a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and shape into balls. Depending on the size, this recipe provides 12-16 falafel balls
6. Place falafel balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Put in the fridge to set for 30 - 60 minutes

7. Prepare the filling ingredients, chop up the veggies, pickles, pickled onions. Prepare tahini dressing by adding 2 tablespoon tahini, lemon juice, salt and 2 tablespoon cold water then whisk. Prepare hummus if making your own or follow my easy recipe
8. Fry falafel balls in a small pot over medium - high heat. I recommend to do them in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then place on a plate with paper towels to soak excess oil. Alternatively you can cook them in the air fryer
9. Assemble by placing the wrap by smearing the hummus across the middle in a vertical line. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and sumac onions or pickled onions
10. Finish by adding 4 falafel balls and a drizzle of tahini dressing. Then wrap it like a burrito. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

1. Pulse, don't blend when making the falafel mixture. This way you still keep some texture and won't have a mushy centre
2. Use wet hands when shaping the falafel patties and be gentle so they don't crumble and fall apart
3. Allow the falafel balls to set in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to dry out and keep their form when frying 
4. Make the hummus and tahini sauce while the falafel is setting in the fridge which will save time 
5. Ensure the oil is hot and fry the falafel in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy without soaking in the oil

Storage, Reheating and Freezing

• Store leftover falafels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• Enjoy cold or reheat in a pan with a dash of oil. You can also reheat by baking in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through
• Falafel patties can also be frozen. After shaping, place the falafel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer frozen falafel to a zip-lock bag, and keep in the freezer for 2- 3 months
• Thaw frozen falafel balls in the fridge overnight, or you can simply fry them in oil from frozen as per the recipe below - note they will take a little longer to brown

FAQs

More Sandwiches

• Wrap Ideas (8 fillings)
• Chopped Italian Sandwich
• Chickpea Tuna Sandwich
• Greek wrap
• Vegan Sandwich
• Grinder Salad (Viral Tiktok Recipe)
• Homemade Crunchwrap
• Burrata Caprese Sandwich
• Halloumi Burger

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to tag @cookingwithayeh and share your Falafel Wrap photo on Instagram so I can share the love.

Recipe