Falafel with Creamy Tahini Sauce with Sara Smile Seasoning

There are dishes that feel celebratory even when they’re simple. Falafel is one of them. These golden, herb-speckled bites come together with pantry ingredients and a little care, filling the kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of chickpeas, garlic, and Sara Smile seasoning.

Baked rather than fried, they’re crisp on the outside, tender within, and meant to be dipped generously into a creamy tahini sauce that brings everything into balance.

Why This Recipe Lives Here

This recipe belongs in the Spicekeeper’s Cottage because it celebrates humble ingredients elevated through thoughtful seasoning. Sara Smile adds warmth and depth—spice-forward but gentle—making these falafel feel grounding rather than heavy.

They’re equally at home as a weeknight supper, a party platter, or tucked into warm pita with greens and sauce.

Ingredients

Falafel

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons Sara Smile Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• ½ cup shredded carrot

Tahini Sauce

• ½ cup tahini

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Spicekeeper’s tip: If the falafel mixture feels too loose, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping.

The Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, parsley, garlic, olive oil, onion, shredded carrot, and Sara Smile seasoning.

3. Mix well until the ingredients come together into a coarse dough. You may use a fork, potato masher, or pulse briefly in a food processor if desired.

4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the falafel are golden and firm.

6. While the falafel bake, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

7. Serve the warm falafel with a generous spoonful of tahini sauce.

Spicekeeper’s Notes

• Sara Smile seasoning brings subtle warmth—no extra spice is needed.

• These falafel are excellent the next day and reheat well in a skillet or oven.

• For a full meal, serve with pita, cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens.

How We Serve It at the Cottage

We set these out on a shared platter with a bowl of tahini sauce in the center and let everyone help themselves. They disappear quickly—always a good sign.

A Quiet Closing

These falafel remind us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. A few good ingredients, treated kindly, can make something worth lingering over.