Greek Falafel Melts with Green Tahini “Special Sauce”.
I have been dying to share these melts with you.
I mean, I’m pretty much dying to share all my recipes with you, but today’s recipe, and today in general, are just kind of special. For one, these Greek falafel melts are everything a melt should be, plus they’re healthy! Two, we are celebrating something super fun!
I have met a lot of people through this little blog of mine, and two very special ones are Alanna from The Bojon Gourmet and Todd from Honestly Yum. Both Alanna and Todd are incredible people who make even more incredible food and drinks, and take beautiful pictures. Todd and Alanna have gotten together to throw the awesome Sarah from Snixy Kitchen a virtual Baby Shower!! I know, I know! So nice and SO fun!!
How does a virtual baby shower work you ask? Simple, all of Sarah’s internet friends make all of her favorite foods (cheese and sweets…see, Sarah is a smart girl) and then post them all on the same day to celebrate Sarah’s new little addition who is dues in early February. It’s so sweet, right? I would never have thought to do something like this, but I am so happy to be included.
I first met Sarah in person just this past summer. We met in Wisconsin and bonded as we ate our weight in cheese together. Clearly there was no possible way I could not love Sarah… she eats cheese and she loves sweets! What more could you need in a good friend?
The theme of the baby shower is “cheese and sweets”. Obviously, this was a pretty easy concept for me. I think I post a cheesy recipe at least three days out of the week, and a sweet recipe about two days out of the week.
So no problem was had in coming up with a recipe, that’s for sure.
Now, I know we are currently getting towards the end of my “healthy January” (which I cannot believe and am kind of sad about. I have been LOVING all my bright and colorful eats!), but do not think I am giving in just yet! Nope, these Greek falafel melts are totally all good for us. Or well mostly, I guess it just depends on whether you feel cheese is healthy…you know I totally do! AND these are not loaded to the max with cheese, not too little, not too much, just the perfect amount. 🙂
Aside from the cheese, these Greek falafel melts are packed with goodness, full of yummy Greek flavors and baked instead of fried. And yes, those are homemade pitas, I could not resist. All Greek food needs fresh pitas. Just saying.
If you are unfamiliar with falafel, it is a middle eastern street food. Traditionally they are fried and then wrapped in pitas with pickled veggies and drizzled with tahini sauce. The base of the falafel balls is made up of chickpeas, nuts and or seeds and fresh herbs. You fry them, and they’re basically the most delicious things ever. Totally addicting (vegan) street food.
YUM.
Today I made my own (little healthier) version. I baked my falafel instead of frying, added some harvati cheese, a special green tahini sauce and then all my favorite Greek veggies. AKA roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, baby kale, and micro greens. Also, there is most definitely a generous amount of hummus incorporated into these melts as well.
Now do you see why I am beyond exited about them?!?
OH, OH, and I totally made sweet potato fries for snacking on as a side. They’re not technically a part of the recipe, but man, I HIGHLY recommend making them and then stuffing some onto your melt.
Yes, DO THAT. Sweet potato fries are the bestest.
For my falafel, I used a mixed of chickpeas, pine nuts, cilantro, mint and parsley. I also added some jalapeno for a little heat. Add everything into a food processor and then pulse until you have a finely chopped mixture. Roll the mixture into cute little patties and then bake to crisp perfection. Add some cheese and melt. Done and done.
Super simple, full of protein and all healthy things!!
For the special sauce?? Oh this sauce. I LOVE this sauce, it’s a mix of tahini, lemon juice, basil, parmesan (nutritional yeast if you are vegan) and a few other things. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite sauces. It’s the combo of tahini to basil to lemon to parmesan… SO flipping good. You can use this on salads, soups, fries, sandwiches, anything really. So much YUM!
And then you just pack everything in a pita and begin to devour.
Why did I choose this for Sarah’s shower? Well, I wanted to choose something super healthy and full of good things, because hello… Sarah is about to have a baby!! Not only does the little baby growing inside of her need the goodness, but Sarah needs it for some serious delivery room butt kicking. Also, I have a very good feeling that Sarah will LOVE these melts because one, these melts include harvarti AND parmesan (you can omit the havarti and sub nutritional yeast for the parm if you are vegan), and two, she is a big fan of Greek/middle eastern flavors. If only I could send her a melt. Now that would be awesome!!
How about I just make another one for me for lunch today, you know, in honor of Sarah and her new growing family…
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Greek Falafel Melts with Green Tahini "Special Sauce".
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: chickpeas, falafel, hummus, tahini
Aside from the cheese, these Greek falafel melts are packed with goodness, full of yummy Greek flavors and baked instead of fried.
Ingredients
Baked Falafel
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas drained + rinsed
- 1 cup fresh herbs I like using a combination of cilantro, mint, parsley and dill
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour a gluten free blend may be used
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 leave of a jalapeno seeded ( the seeds in for more heat if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt to taste
- 4 ounces havarti cheese sliced
- 4 fresh warm pitas or naan
- 1 cup hummus
- roasted red pepper micro greens, baby kale, kalamata olives, sliced red onion and sliced pepperoncini, for serving
Green Tahini "Special Sauce"
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup parmesan or nutritional yeast if vegan
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 leave jalapeno seeded ( some seeds in for more heat!)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional depending on your taste)
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Add the chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, pine nuts (or sesame seeds), lemon juice, flour, olive oil, jalapeno, cumin and a heavy pinch of salt to a food processor. Pulse until everything is minced but not pureed, stopping the machine and scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
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Roll the mixture into 9-10 balls and place on the prepared greased baking sheet. Brush the tops of the balls with olive oil.
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Bake until crisp and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. During the last 3 minutes, add the harvarti cheese. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet a few minutes before assembling your melts.
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To assemble, spread some hummus on a pita and then add 1-2 of the falafel balls. Drizzle the green tahini over (recipe below) and then stuff in some roasted red pepper, olives, micro greens, red onion and pepperoncini. EAT!
Green Tahini "Special Sauce"
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In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients + 3 tablespoons water. Blend until completely smooth, adding water if needed to thin the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Store sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Totally works for me. Is it lunch time yet?
P.S Wanna see what all of Sarah’s other friends made? Check out the recipes below!
Cheesy Things
- the briny – Smoky Beans n’ Greens Enchiladas with Roasted Sweet Potato and Sunflower Seed Cheese
- Healthy Nibbles & Bits – Japanese-Spiced Goat Cheese Ball with Pistachios
- Just Putzing Around the Kitchen – Cheesy Fried Spinach & Artichoke Bites
- My Natural Kitchen – Brazilian Cheesy Thyme Popovers
- Vanilla And Bean – Almond-Sage Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Gruyere
- Fix Feast Flair – Mixed Greens Salad with Lilikoi Vinaigrette, Honey Macadamia Nuts, and Goat Cheese
- FoodieCrush – Cheesy Sausage Pizza Bread
- Foodness Gracious – Avocado Feta Bowl with Couscous Grilled Chicken and Charred Corn
- Will Frolic for Food – Vegan Walnut Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
- Vegetarian ‘Ventures – Pimento Mac & Cheese Bites
- MJ and Hungryman – Cheese Stuffed Kimchi Pancakes
- Savory Simple – Cheddar Chive Crackers
Sweet Things
- the pig + quill – Mini Vegan PB+J Cheesecakes
- The Kitchen McCabe – Meyer Lemon Pudding Cakes + Honeyed Chevre Whipped Cream
- The Little Epicurean – Matcha Mochi Waffles Sundae
- Shared Appetite – Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Mousse
- The Pancake Princess – Vegan Aquafaba Lemon Meringue Pie
- The Food Charlatan – Lemon Bars {gluten-free}
- Kale & Caramel – Spiced Caramel Chocolate Nut Clusters
Cheesy & Sweet Things
- The Bojon Gourmet – Blood Orange & Corn Flour Ricotta Cake with Whipped Mascarpone {gluten-free}
- HonestlyYUM – Sweet Cheese Puffs (for a Sweet Cheese Baby)
- fit for the soul – Queso Mais Ice cream {No-Churn}
- Completely Delicious – Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones
- Good on Paper Design – Citrus Ricotta Mini Cakes {gluten-free}
- Floating Kitchen – No-Bake Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache Layer {gluten-free}
- Hungry Girl por Vida – Gluten-Free Pretzel Goat Cheesecake Bites
- Heartbeet Kitchen – Roasted Citrus Bowls with Honey Mascarpone
- Salted Plains – Pavlova with Mascarpone Coconut Cream and Candied Citrus
- The Kitchen Paper – Candied Citrus Ricotta Cake
- le jus d’orange – White Cheddar and Apple Mini Pies with Cinnamon-Infused Honey
what a coincidence- i was just telling my friend last night about how good falafels sounded! and that green tahini special sauce seems amazing (tahini and basil make everything better), not to mention that it looks wonderfully creamy (:
You are making me sooooo hungry with this Tieghan!! I am down with any kind of special sauce, especially when it’s healthy and on top of falafels. It’s perfect for our little #cheesebabygirl! 🙂
OMW !!! I think I am dreaming !!! These sounds soooooooo delicious !!!!! I am so into chickpeas, and finished the last of mine last night…Oh I wish I had a grocery shop attached to my house 🙂 . I am so making these, and super soon 🙂
This looks so delicious!!
http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
YOU ARE KILLIN IT GIRL! I could shove these in my face right now. Don’t even get me started on that secret sauce 🙂 I am loving this girl. Gorgeous photos too!
First, I love your site and recipes, seriously great stuff. I’m Greek – we do use Tahini in Greece and especially in Cyprus, which is where I’m from (Tahini dip, sweet Tahinopita pastry pie). Falafel is a favourite of mine, but it isn’t part of the Greek cuisine and never was. It’s a Middle Eastern delight, Lebanon, Egypt etc., whereas Greece and Cyprus are in Europe.
I bet you did not know that your photos and recipes inspire me to stock my shelves and start cooking. I heard that Boston may be getting quite a bit of snow soon. Thanks 🙂
YUM!! I’m Middle-Eastern and have falafel on weekly but have never had them this way. Going to try this for sure it looks amazing!
I know it’s silly to say, but the word you want it is “addictive” not ” addicting” (adjective instead of a verb tense). It’s popular among the very young set, but not correct.
Thank yOU! I will fix that!
Definitely a great occasion to celebrate! These melts sound awesome!
What a fantastic offering for Sarah’s virtual Baby Shower! These falafel melts look TO DIE FOR!!
Love everything about these falafel melts with Havarti cheese (my favorite) and green sauce (can’t wait to try)!!!
Looks really amazing! Have to make this
Kisses from http://poshnessary.com ❤
Tieghan, not only is your photography PHENOMENAL, but this sounds mind-blowingly delicious!! I’ve never been quite able to master a completely delicious at-home version of falafel (it’s just never quite the same!), but I would eat this up in a heartbeat. And such a great tribute to Sarah. So completely stoked to be included in a roundup with the likes and incredible talents of lovely bloggers like you!! <33
Thank you so much!! Just finished reading through everyones post, all of them are amazing!! 🙂 So happy to be included as well! Have the best Thursday!
Oh my …! This looks sooo good – I don’t want to see this foodporn, please;)
I really have to make it by myself!
XO, Leah
Love these Tieghan! Your photos are just too beautiful and these falafel melts? just perfect. Such a lovely way to celebrate Sarah! xo
How delicious! I love a good falafel recipe 🙂
Um – I WOULD totally love these. Why don’t you live in SF again?? The cheesey addition to the falafel patties is genius and on homemade pitas? HELLO! Thank you for the deliciously cheesy tribute – I can’t wait to make these! (Also – I agree: good friends must like cheese and sweets…). <3
hehe! THANK YOU! Hope you had the best day! So beyond excited for you! 🙂
These melts are extraordinary!! Seriously, I can’t stop staring at your photos, Tieghan. I want it all – every single micro green! Thank you so much for being a part of Sarah’s special day. 🙂
Thank you for inviting me, it was so fun!! You guys are all so awesome! 🙂
These melts look beyond fab and the sweet potato fries are a must!
Such great recipes. Do you take recipe request? There are so many dishes and recipes out there, but I would like to try YOUR version of them; since it always looks like you do things your way, add this and that here and there… they are so unique!
Yes! I do! Let me know what you want to see! 🙂
Oh, Tieghan. Tieghan, Tieghan, this is my soul food. My heart is melting right now because – barring the havarti (which isn’t one of my favorite cheese) – I love literally *e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.* about this!!!! Can I come over to your house?? Pleeeaassse??? ? Or do you ship leftovers? (Though getting to meet you and tour your cool digs would be beyond awesome…) I wish I could have this every day…falafel is one of my favorite foods!
These melts are amazing, T! Falafel is totally my love language. Sarah is such a gem and I’m so glad we can all celebrate her today!
Hate to be a total grammar nazi, but it’s not “addicting”. It’s “addictive”.
Thanks so much for the head ups!
You are killin’ me with these melts tonight, amazing!
I just had dinner and I’m hungry all over again looking at this!
Thank you!
Wow these look so delicious. I adore falafel so much and so many recipes have just crumbled and fallen apart. These look the perfect texture and consistency.
Thanks Angela!
Oooooo…please forward a plate of this right away. Looks so good!!
hehe! Thank you! 🙂
I love the idea of a falafel melt! And that sauce sounds heavenly..
Thank you!!
This not only looks end-of-days delicious, but your photos. I mean. They are so beautiful!! xo
hehe! Thanks Rebecca! 🙂
DYING over that green tahini sauce – it looks incredible. (and really doesn’t help how hungry I am right now…). I love that you have a baked falafel recipe that looks so packed with flavour as well – most of the recipes around tend to be deep fried which is always a little off-putting – saving this to make asap for sure!
Thank you so much, Claudia! Have a great weekend!
You had me at falafel!! I think some of these staple middle eastern foods are some of the best. So light, unique, and satisfying without making me roll after eating them, if you know what I mean. 😉
These look sooo good! I love that the falafel is baked rather than fried and that sauce sounds AMAZING, I like tahini based sauces but yours sounds far, far better than any I have tried before!
For anyone else whose Green Tahini “Special Sauce” turns out to be a thicker consistency than desired, adding Bulgarian yogurt will thin the sauce without masking the delicious basil and tahini flavors. I also added Agave nectar instead of honey to balance the strong flavor of the herbs (we got a little basil happy!). Your recipes never disappoint Tieghan!
Thank you so much for the great tip! Really happy you loved this recipe! ?
I tried to comment – your photos are great – but it wouldn’t let me without logging in. Gorgeous site!
Awh thank you so much for taking the time to comment! Means a lot!! SO happy you like the site (:
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Awh thank you Nisha!
Wow these look so scrumptious. I revere falafel so much thus numerous formulas have quite recently disintegrated and gone to pieces. These look the ideal surface and consistency.
I hope you love these! Thank you!
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I am really glad you like this! Thank you Minna!
Made these melts for tonight’s “Meat Free Monday” dinner and they were soooooooo delicious. A great family meal. Leftovers to be eaten in salad bowl tomorrow so looking forward to lunch already. Another great recipe. Thx T.
Thank you Linda! I am so glad you enjoyed this!
this is AWESOME!!! yummy. I can’t wait to try this! Pinned! so healthy!!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you like this!
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What a fantastic offering , Awesome
Thank you so much!
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Thank you! xTieghan
I keep forgetting to comment when I make any of your dishes! So far. It one has been a disappoint !! Made this dish a few times! Love!
Hi Jackie! I am really glad you have been loving this and other recipes of mine! Thank you for trying them! xTieghan
Hi! I am excited to try this.. sorry if this is a silly question but what is a leave of jalapeno??
Hey Marina,
It just means half of the jalapeño. I hope you love the recipe. Let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
Great Idea about greek falafet melts with gree tahini special sauce recipe. I read your blog and find the best idea. Thanks
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