PBS/ Recipes

falafel burgers

Do you love falafel?

Yeah, me too.

I love it so much that sometimes I feel like I have a relationship with it.

I said I could cook. I never said I was normal.

So…I developed this recipe for falafel burgers. Spicy, garlicky patties chock-full of chickpeas, tahini, garlic and spices. They’re perfect stuffed into gigantic warm pitas with extra tahini sauce and hot sauce drizzled over everything. Do I need to say more? You know you want them.

For those of us that have a relationship with our food…head to the PBS blog for the recipe!

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  • Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
    August 5, 2011 at 4:33 am

    I had falafel balls a while ago, but burgers sound so much more amazing! My Jewish grandmother will be so proud.

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    August 5, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Oh yes! Fresh falafel is an experience like no other…. YUM

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    August 5, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Ooh yes yes yes! I lived in the Middle East for 5 years but only had my first falafels about 2 years after returning to Canada. Why I waited so long I have no idea. These look great!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    August 5, 2011 at 4:44 am

    i DO love falafel…how’d you know?! 🙂

  • Erika
    August 5, 2011 at 4:44 am

    YUM!! I do love falafel, but i rarely making it in my own kitch. I’ll have to try your recipe Jenna.

  • Khushboo
    August 5, 2011 at 4:48 am

    Shame on your for saying the F-Word. You’re making me drool at work!

  • Cait's Plate
    August 5, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Feeling like you have a relationship with falafel is weird? Uh oh… I guess I’ll keep that to myself from here on out? 😉

    Those look awesome – heading over for the recipe now!

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    August 5, 2011 at 4:51 am

    Yum! I love these! thanks for the good recipe 🙂

  • jen
    August 5, 2011 at 4:54 am

    any way to make these babies without the egg? thanks!

  • Sarah@The Flying ONION
    August 5, 2011 at 4:59 am

    I have never once in my life tried a falafel, which is a crying shame considering how many chickpeas I gnaw through in a week. Must. Make. These! They sound and look amazing. 😀

  • katie @KatieDid
    August 5, 2011 at 5:00 am

    I love nothing more than a quality falafel wrap, busting with all the good fixings. I used to get falafel everywhere I went that they offered it (which isn’t too many places) to try and seek out the best one! So many amazing ones out there.

  • kaila@ healthy helper blog!
    August 5, 2011 at 5:01 am

    Wow they are so bright and yellow! I love colorful food!!!

  • Angela
    August 5, 2011 at 5:06 am

    I’ve never had a falafel, but these look amazing…. However, I am not a huge fan of tahini… I eat hummus, but prefer red pepper or garlic so I don’t notice the tahini… Should I just try it? Or is there something you can think of would be a good substitute….. ?

  • Baking N Books
    August 5, 2011 at 5:14 am

    Hm, not a fan of spicy but these look good. Do you post on PBS once a week? And do you practice yoga 2wice a day – I noticed your tweet on the side 😉

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
    August 5, 2011 at 5:29 am

    Ahh <3 falafel! I've tried so many times to make falafel in the skillet, but they never turn out as beautiful as yours.

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    August 5, 2011 at 5:33 am

    I’ve never had a falafel! This looks really good though….must try!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    August 5, 2011 at 5:47 am

    They look great, Jenna.

    The color is so vibrant!! I am guessing turmeric is in them? I am off to go check the recipe, now! 🙂

  • Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy
    August 5, 2011 at 5:50 am

    These look great! I love falafel, I love them when they are on the spicy side! Headed over to PBS to check out the recipe!

  • Sues
    August 5, 2011 at 5:53 am

    I had a serious relationship with falafel in high school, but we had to break up because we needed “space.” We reconnected later in college and have been happy together ever since. I love the idea of a spicy falafel in burger form!

  • Rebecca
    August 5, 2011 at 6:01 am

    I adore falafel. When I make them, I’ll go days without end eating them in a wrap or on a salad.

  • Lily O'Dare
    August 5, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Yum!! Thanks for the recipe, I am definitely making these. What pita do you like to buy? I never know which brand to choose.

  • Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
    August 5, 2011 at 6:24 am

    I cannot get enough falafel. Seriously. There’s a place right by my office that I’m always going to for lunch.

    These just got added to my “To Make” List!

  • Bev Weidner
    August 5, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Yes. Yes, and Yes.

    I could go to second base with falafel.

    What? You totally would too.

  • Jennifer
    August 5, 2011 at 6:35 am

    As a falafel lover, this recipe has just made my weekend. I am a beginner cook and your pbs recipes so far are great for me and easy to follow. I’m so glad you are posting them! At risk for sounding extreme, the shells changed my life (sooo delicious!) and I have sent the recipe out to anyone who is scared of using tofu.

  • Erika @ The Teenage Taste
    August 5, 2011 at 6:39 am

    Oh yes! Falafel, gyros, tzatziki, and hummus. I love Greek food! These homemade falafel burgers look especially delicious. Thanks for sharing, Jenna! 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    August 5, 2011 at 6:48 am

    I was wondering around Seattle this week DYING for falafel. I never found it 🙁 Sometimes I feel like I have a relationship with hummus, so I feel ya.

  • Pippa @ Sunday Suppers with Pippa
    August 5, 2011 at 6:54 am

    Your falafel are a beautiful color, it must be the turmeric! I can’t wait to make these!

  • Emily
    August 5, 2011 at 7:05 am

    How do you have offer recipes at the precise moment a serious craving emerges? I was just discussing falafel burgers with my neighbor last night, and I can’t wait to try this recipe! Such synchronicity!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    August 5, 2011 at 7:48 am

    Falafels are a favorite of mine! Your’s look delicious 🙂

  • Karen
    August 5, 2011 at 7:50 am

    These look wonderful, Jenna. Can the egg white be replaced with a flax substitute?

  • French Heart
    August 5, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Falafel Burgers?!! You mad genius, you. I was just sittin’ ’round cogitatin’ about what’s for din-din. Now I know. Mille Mercis!

  • Mary @ Fervent Foodie
    August 5, 2011 at 8:01 am

    I LOVE falafel!!!!

  • Erin
    August 5, 2011 at 8:02 am

    I love falafels! I just made eggplants burgers and thought that was something different, but now this, cannot wait!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
    August 5, 2011 at 8:07 am

    yum! i’d top it with thin slices of cucumber and tomato and a dollop of cool tzatziki.

  • Jaime
    August 5, 2011 at 8:11 am

    I was so excited to see you as part of the PBS food blog. When it rolled up on my FB news feed with your picture, I squealed. I’m such a girl. Congratulations and these look yummy!

  • Liz @ IHeartVegetables
    August 5, 2011 at 8:12 am

    The first time I had falafel I hated it, because I made it myself and it was horrible!!! But since then, I’ve had good falafel and now I love it!

  • Sandy @ RE
    August 5, 2011 at 8:13 am

    Oh, my. I have to try! 🙂

  • kankana
    August 5, 2011 at 8:26 am

    my husband loves falafel a lot .. much more than I do and this burger will make him very happy 🙂

  • Michelle | Gold-hearted Girl
    August 5, 2011 at 8:32 am

    Ah SO yum. I’ve come across a few falafels I didn’t like…but this looks mighty promising. 🙂

  • Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
    August 5, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Yess! Falafel is amazing. My college boyfriend used to call them ‘full-awfuls’ as if they were full of something awful – and he’s a thing of the past. Falafel is where the party’s at, can’t wait to try your recipe 🙂

  • Caitlin
    August 5, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Gorgeous photos, I love falafels but have actually never made any myself. Definitely going to have to check out your recipe.

  • Michelle
    August 5, 2011 at 9:00 am

    I love falafel! It’s so simple and delicious. A love affair is only natural!

  • Jewel @ eatdrinkshoplove
    August 5, 2011 at 9:16 am

    I have never tried falafel but these look yummy!

  • Shelley@MileHighHealthy
    August 5, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Do you think a flax egg would work for this recipe? Or could you recommend a vegan alternative to the egg that would still bind the falafel together? Thanks!

  • Maria
    August 5, 2011 at 9:21 am

    These look incredible!

  • Lisa @ Sunny Seed Stories
    August 5, 2011 at 9:22 am

    My husband may want to hug you after this one. Just warning you.

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  • Krystina
    August 5, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Falafel are one of my favorite things to make!

  • Melissa
    August 5, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Oh my god WHY have I never tried falafel?? It looks so good I want to lick my computer screen! I never said I was normal either.

  • Lola
    August 5, 2011 at 11:01 am

    You know, maybe you are normal… because I have been questioning the fact that the mediteranian joint down the street from my office must be putting crack into their falafels, because I CRAVE them every.single.day. I kid you not, I’ve even dreampt of falafels! I dreampt I had a plate full of piping hot crispy falafels. So yes, you are normal. And falafel burgers sound like the best invention in the entire world. More crunch, more fried, love it!

  • Katrina
    August 5, 2011 at 11:55 am

    This sounds awesome!

  • Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland
    August 5, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Falafel and I have been in a commited relationship for nearly 5 years. It’s a beautiful thing. haha

  • Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
    August 5, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    That’s my favorite brand of tahini! Loooove falafel 🙂

  • Christine (The Raw Project)
    August 5, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Falafel is amazing! And the burgers sound perfect!

  • Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen
    August 5, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    I love falafel! These burgers look delicious! I can’t wait to try it….now off to get the recipe! 😉

  • Ally at A Girl In Her Kitchen
    August 5, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Yes! I love falafel very much 😉 Mmmm

  • em @ simplypresent
    August 5, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    I’ve never had falafel before… But now I want to try some!
    Yay for new recipes!

  • Molly
    August 5, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    I think you must be psychic – or we are able to send telepathic messages all the way from your house to mine (Canada!). I have been looking for an excellent falafel recipe and was dismayed when I couldn’t find a new one. Instead I made salmon patties…. And then I come and read your blog and I find out you made falafel patties. What a coincidence! It was the same with yoga- After day three I was going to try doing 30 days… I sign onto your blog and VOILA my own motivation from your 21 day challenge! Seriously, are you my sister?

    Keep up the great posts!

  • Jamie@everydaydolce
    August 5, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    I am so happy you posted this recipe Jenna! I can’t wait to make them 🙂 And congrats on getting the opportunity to blog for PBS!

  • Emmy (wineandbutter)
    August 6, 2011 at 1:43 am

    Hiya! I just wanted to say we made your gnocchi with goats cheese last night and it was SO AMAZING. quicker and cheaper than store bought stuffed tortellini – and SO much better and more fresh! We put chilli flakes on them as well and they were just too good. More goats cheese recipes PLEASE!! xxx

  • Olga
    August 7, 2011 at 10:09 am

    What a great recipe! The boyfriend + I made the falafel burgers on Friday and instantly fell in love. Thanks Jenna! Happily adding these to our dinner rotation.

  • Margo @ peanut butter trees
    August 7, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    Ahh falafel is SO good, I don’t have it nearly as often as I should. Must remedy that, asap.

  • Eating Smart
    August 7, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I love the idea of making the falafel into burgers instead of round balls. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this easy, delicious looking recipe.

  • Ellen
    August 8, 2011 at 9:30 am

    OH my word!!! These look amazing! I’ve never had falafel before! I do have one question though. Can you substitute normal breadcrumbs for panko? If someone could answer quickly so I could make these, I’d be truly thankful! 🙂

    • jenna
      August 8, 2011 at 10:30 am

      sure!

      • Ellen
        August 8, 2011 at 12:22 pm

        Sweet! Thanks!

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  • Corey @ Learning Patience
    September 15, 2011 at 4:51 am

    Just made these last night and my husband LOVED them – I did too! Gave you a big shout out on my blog today!

    http://thehinzadventures.blogspot.com/2011/09/falafel-burgers-wlemony-sour-cream.html

    Thanks again for ANOTHER amazing recipe!
    xoxo from Trinidad

  • Kristin @ thefreshfind
    January 27, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Oh my goodness this looks divine. I LOVE falafel and this burger looks delicious. I will have to try this, also, your pictures are beautiful!

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  • Alyssa
    March 25, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    I made this today for lunch it was amazing. I added the falafel burger into a salad with tomatoes, garlic tahini sauce, and siriracha. Best salad ever. Thanks for another amazing recipe.