Rating: 3.57
(44)

Beetroot Falafel

February 26, 2025

Beetroot falafel is a vibrant, nutrient-packed variation of the traditional Middle Eastern falafel. Known for its deep purple color and earthy flavor, beetroot adds a unique twist to this beloved dish while maintaining all the crunchy, savory goodness of the original. Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and enhanced by the sweet and earthy flavor of roasted beetroot, these falafel are as delicious as they are nutritious.

The base of beetroot falafel starts with cooked chickpeas, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. The chickpeas provide a hearty texture, while the beetroot, grated or pureed, introduces a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and stunning color. The mixture is seasoned with traditional spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, giving the falafel a warm, aromatic flavor profile. A bit of flour or breadcrumbs helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that each ball holds its shape when fried or baked.

When fried, beetroot falafel develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior while staying tender and flavorful inside. The natural sweetness of the beets balances out the savory spices, creating a bite that’s both satisfying and vibrant. These falafel are perfect served with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon to add brightness. They can be enjoyed in a pita, on a salad, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces.

Beetroot falafel are not only a beautiful addition to any table but are also packed with nutrients. Beets are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a great way to add more vegetables to your diet in a flavorful, satisfying form. Whether you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet or simply looking to try something new, beetroot falafel offer a colorful, healthy twist on a classic favorite.

Beetroot Falafel
Beetroot Falafel
3.57 from 44 votes
Beetroot Falafel is a vibrant twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dish, offering a flavorful and colorful addition to any meal.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chickpeas canned or soaked overnight
  • 1 medium beetroot peeled and grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose or chickpea flour
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander ground
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, grated beetroot, garlic, parsley, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until the mixture is combined but still chunky.
  • Shape the mixture into small falafel balls using your hands.
  • Place the falafel balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dip or in a pita with vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 240mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Calories: 120kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Keyword: beetroot, Falafel, Middle Eastern
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar carman.johns says:

    5 stars
    These falafels are amazing! I never knew beetroot could be so tasty. Just the right amount of flavor. Will make again for sure!

    1. 3 stars
      I mean, they weren’t bad, but I think the texture was a bit off for me. Maybe I did something wrong.

    2. User avatar dominique.gusikowski92 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Beetroot adds such a nice twist. Did you try them with tahini? So good!

  2. 4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved them and they usually hate veggies. I added some extra spices for a kick! 🌶️

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! Spices make everything better. Which ones did you add?

  3. 2 stars
    I dunno about this recipe. I tried it, and it fell apart. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔

  4. User avatar Corey D'Amore says:

    5 stars
    Yum, this is my new go-to! Took them to a potluck and everyone loved them! 🥳

  5. User avatar Ligia Rath says:

    2 stars
    Easy recipe but mine turned out kinda mushy… did I do something wrong? Maybe less garlic?

  6. User avatar garnet.satterfield20 says:

    3 stars
    Can I use frozen chickpeas???? Or does that mess everything up??

  7. 3 stars
    I didn’t have garlic, so I used onion instead. Still turned out pretty good!

    1. 4 stars
      Glad to hear it turned out good! Onions can add a nice flavor too. I’ll have to try that next time.

  8. 3 stars
    I’m skeptical about chickpeas and beetroot together. Sounds weird, but I guess I’ll try it. 🤔

  9. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    1 star
    Beetroot? Really? I thought that was for salad not falafel! Tried it anyway but not for me.

  10. User avatar monty.champlin says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make! I will make this again for sure.

  11. User avatar rima.weber says:

    1 star
    Falafel is supposed to be fried, not baked! This is not true falafel, smh 🤷‍♂️

  12. User avatar stacey.sipes2013 says:

    2 stars
    Not as good as regular falafel in my opinion. The beetroot flavor was too strong. Disappointed.

  13. User avatar alex.kling38 says:

    5 stars
    These are AMAZING! I never knew beetroot could taste so good in falafel. My family loved them!

    1. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know, beetroot in falafel? Sounds weird to me. Chickpeas are enough!

    2. User avatar margy.cremin says:

      5 stars
      So glad you enjoyed them! Beetroot does add a nice twist, doesn’t it?

  14. User avatar floretta.kovacek41 says:

    4 stars
    I was a bit skeptical about beetroot in falafel, but wow, it actually works! Will make again.

  15. 3 stars
    Was okay, but I think it needed more spices. Not enough flavor for me.

  16. User avatar marc.jerde says:

    5 stars
    Best falafel ever! I even made my own dip, yum! 🥙

  17. User avatar Roseann Dare Sr. says:

    2 stars
    Not a fan. The beets just taste weird to me.

  18. User avatar Draugr Overlord says:

    4 stars
    Can I use frozen chickpeas? Can’t find canned ones anywhere.

  19. User avatar Mistral says:

    3 stars
    They turned out too dry for my taste. Maybe more garlic next time?

    1. 4 stars
      I agree, they were a bit on the dry side! More garlic could definitely help, or maybe even add some olive oil to the mix?

  20. User avatar lisette.kub38 says:

    3 stars
    Good recipe but took longer than expected to cook. Disappointed!

  21. 5 stars
    These beetroot falafels are amazing! I never thought beetroot could taste this good. Definitely making them again!

  22. 1 star
    I dont know how it barley even cooked. This was a fail for me.

  23. User avatar Reg Nullify says:

    5 stars
    Delish! I added some hot sauce and it was lit. Perfect for my vegan friends.

  24. User avatar jeanmarie.fadel64 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy recipe! My kids loved it, especially when I served them in pitas.

    1. User avatar emerson.goodwin1979 says:

      5 stars
      Glad your kids enjoyed it! These falafels are a hit at my house too!

    2. 2 stars
      I dunno, beetroot? Sounds kinda weird for falafel. I’m not convinced.

  25. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    5 stars
    Wow, these falafels are delicious! The beetroot adds a nice twist.

  26. User avatar Shai Utoh says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have any parsley, so I used spinach instead. Still turned out delicious!

  27. User avatar Samwise Gamgee says:

    3 stars
    Easy to make, but I messed up the baking time. They turned out a bit dry. ;(

    1. User avatar marlena.paucek70 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try checking them halfway through next time? It helps a lot to avoid the dryness!

  28. User avatar magdalena.stanton says:

    5 stars
    Falafel balls – they look like little rubies! Very unique, I like it!!

  29. 1 star
    Yuck! This is not how you make falafel! Gonna stick with the real ones.

  30. User avatar grant.hahn says:

    5 stars
    These falafels are so good! The beetroot adds a nice sweetness. Will definitely make again.

    1. User avatar mellissa.kerluke91 says:

      5 stars
      I tried these last night and they were a hit! Who knew beetroot would taste so good in falafel? 😂

  31. 5 stars
    Such a healthy alternative! I paired them with a yogurt dip, yum!

  32. User avatar lakia.reinger says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about using beetroot in falafel. I prefer the classic flavor. Kinda weird.

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you mean, but beetroot adds a nice sweetness! It’s worth a try if you’re feeling adventurous. 😄

3.57 from 44 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 170
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: