I thought it was about time I created a recipe for my blog and so I have started working on some ideas, based on foods I already love, such as this sweet potato falafel recipe!
These are falafels are fantastic, protein-filled, no-added salt, no-added-sugar, healthy options for adults. You can also make them in bulk and freeze them or pop them in the fridge to have at a later date. They are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans and a great replacement to burgers at a BBQ!
As an alternative, these mini falafels are great little bites for children too and, as they don’t contain salt (you can add a little, if you wish), they are great for finger foods for babies too!
Sweet Potato Falael Ingredients:
1 kg Sweet potato
1 tablespoon of olive oil
A sprinkling of paprika
2 slices of wholemeal bread
1 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon of chilli powder (or more if you like your food with a kick)
A pinch of mixed herbs
Sweet Potato Falafel Method:
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into 2 inch sticks and cover with the olive oil. Dust with the paprika so that all the sweet potato fingers are lightly covered.
- Add them to an oven dish and pop in the oven on a high heat for around 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are nicely browned, but not burnt!
- In a blender, add two slices of wholemeal bread and blend until you have fine breadcrumbs. Set this mixture aside once done.
- After rinsing the chickpeas, use some kitchen roll to pat them dry and then add them to a blender along with the cumin, chilli and herbs.
- Blitz the ingredients until the mixture is combined but not completely smooth and set aside.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and add them to a bowl. Mash them well with a spoon or potato masher until they are nice and smooth with no lumps. Once they are smooth, add in the chickpea mixture and combine the ingredients well.
- Shape the chickpea and sweet potato mixture into small, round patty shapes and dip each one into the breadcrumbs until they are completely covered. Set each one individually on a baking tray.
- Bake the falafels for around 20 minutes, turning them half way. Be sure to keep an eye on them as the breadcrumbs can brown fairly quickly. Alternatively you could grill or fry the falafels on each side for roughly 2-3 minutes each.
Sweet Potato Falafel Serving Ideas:
I like having my falafels in a wrap or pitta bread, with hummus, red pepper, avocado and spinach and even a little Halloumi. Alternatively you could serve them along with a guacamole dip as a starter for guests or as finger food for little children to nibble on.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, feel free to send me any healthy recipe ideas that you’d like to see on my blog in the future.