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Falafel Sandwich Recipe: Best Mediterranean Sandwich

The best easy homemade falafel recipe - these golden and crispy falafels are delicious, loaded with flavours and completely vegan and gluten-free. Made with chickpeas, herbs, garlic, and spices they are so incredibly easy to make. Munchyesta.com
This Vegan Falafel Sandwich is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired meal, packed with crispy falafels, creamy garlic cashew cream cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped in soft Greek flatbread. It’s a delicious, healthy, and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or on the go. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this flavorful vegan sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation!
Simone - Munchyesta.com
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Serving Size 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Sandwich Wraps

  • 2 Greek Flatbreads
  • 4 tbsp (60g) Vegan Garlic Cream Cheese - Homemade or storebought
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Red Onion - Finely Chopped
  • ½ tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 handful Fresh Cilantro or Fresh Basil - Chopped (about 10-15 g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4-6 Falafels -  (store-bought or homemade)

Vegan Garlic Cream Cheese

  • 1+½ cup (225g) Raw Cashews Soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
  • ¼ cup (60g) Unsweeted non-dairy Yogurt
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

How to make falafel sandwiches Instructions:

    Prepare the Vegan Garlic Cream Cheese:

    • Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Soak the cashews for 10-minutes in the boiling water. Or cover them with cold water and leave to soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Drain and rinse the cashews before use.
    • Blend the cream cheese: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, non-dairy yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
    • Blend until smooth: Blend on high until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of water to help achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and more lemon juice if desired. You may need to scrape the sides down a few times to get everything blended to the same texture.
    • Chill the cream cheese: Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Assemble the Sandwiches:

    • Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the tomatoes and chop the red onion. In a small bowl, toss the chopped red onion, diced tomatoes and cilantro with 1/2 tbsp (7.5 g) of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside for a few minutes to let the flavors develop.
    • Warm the flatbreads: Heat the Greek flatbreads in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warm and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can briefly warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or heat in a microwave for 1 minute,
    • Spread the cream cheese: Generously spread about 2 tbsp (30 g) of the vegan garlic cream cheese onto each warmed flatbread.
    • Add the toppings: Layer the flatbreads with the tomato salsa and chopped cilantro or basil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top for extra flavor.
    • Add the falafels: Place 2-3 falafels on each flatbread. You can leave the falafels whole or lightly smash them with a fork for easier eating.
    • Finish and wrap: Fold the flatbreads around the fillings like a wrap or pita sandwich. If the flatbreads are large, you can cut them in half to make them easier to handle.

    Serving Tips:

    • Serve the falafel sandwiches immediately with a side of salad or some fries for a complete Mediterranean meal.
    • For extra flavor, you can drizzle some tahini sauce or hot sauce over the falafels before wrapping the sandwich.
    • Enjoy these delicious Mediterranean falafel sandwiches with creamy garlic cheese, fresh veggies, and a burst of herbs!

    Notes

    Homemade falafel recipe:

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Soaking Time: 12 hours
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Servings: 18
    • Calories: 186 kcal
    Greek falafel Ingredients:
    • 1 pound dry uncooked chickpeas
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ¾ cup parsley, chopped
    • ½ cup basil, chopped
    • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 3 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons coriander
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • Neutral oil for frying
    • Tahini sauce for serving

    How to make homemade Mediterranean falafels Instructions:

    1.Soak the Chickpeas:
    •Place the dry chickpeas in a medium bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours until they double in size.
    2.Prepare the Chickpeas:
    •After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
    3.Make the Falafel Mixture:
    •In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine, pebble-sized pieces.
    •Add the parsley, basil, onion, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), garlic, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Blend until you achieve a thick paste, scraping down the sides as needed.
    •Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to set.
    4.Prepare for Frying:
    •After chilling, take the falafel mixture out of the fridge. Sprinkle the baking powder over it and gently fold it in.
    5.Form the Falafel Balls:
    •Line one baking sheet with parchment paper and another with paper towels. Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop (or your hands), pack about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture into a ball and place it on the parchment-lined sheet. Repeat until all the batter is used. The balls may feel a little loose but will firm up during frying.
    6.Fry the Falafel:
    •In a large, deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of the falafel mixture; it should sizzle.
    •Carefully add 10 to 12 falafel balls to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 3½ minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked falafel to the paper towel-lined sheet. Repeat with the remaining balls.
    7.Serve:
    •Place the falafel on top of your Greek sandwiches or on a serving platter with tahini sauce for dipping. Serve warm.

    Extra Notes:

    •Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
    •Freezing Instructions: Cooked falafel can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place cooled falafel on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warm and crispy.
    •Freezing the Mixture: You can also freeze the uncooked falafel mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before forming into balls and frying or baking.
    •Sourcing: Dried chickpeas are often found at Middle Eastern markets, natural food stores, or in the legume section of large supermarkets.

    Various sandwich fillings:

    Here are some delicious vegetarian Greek sandwich filling variations that you can try with this falafel sandwich recipe:
    1. Grilled Vegetables
    Add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms to your falafel sandwich. Brush them with olive oil and grill until tender. They add a smoky, savory flavor and extra texture.
    2. Tzatziki Sauce
    Swap out the vegan garlic cream cheese for a classic Greek tzatziki sauce (made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill). This creamy, tangy sauce pairs perfectly with falafel and brings a refreshing twist to your sandwich.
    3. Greek Salad Filling
    Incorporate a mini Greek salad directly into the sandwich! Add crumbled feta (or vegan feta), kalamata olives, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, tangy burst of flavor.
    4. Roasted Red Peppers and Hummus
    Instead of the garlic cream cheese, spread a generous layer of hummus on your flatbread and top it with roasted red peppers. The sweet, smoky peppers and creamy hummus offer a tasty contrast to the crispy falafels.
    5. Spinach and Feta
    For a classic Greek flavor, add fresh spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese (or a plant-based alternative). The spinach adds a healthy crunch, while the feta adds a tangy and salty note.
    6. Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto
    Spread a layer of basil pesto (vegan or regular) on your flatbread and top it with sun-dried tomatoes. This adds an intense, savory flavor to your sandwich and pairs wonderfully with the falafels.
    7. Avocado and Cucumber
    For a light and refreshing twist, add sliced avocado and thinly sliced cucumbers. The avocado gives the sandwich a creamy texture, while the cucumber adds a cool, crisp bite.
    8. Herbed Feta Spread
    Instead of cream cheese, make a herbed feta spread by blending feta cheese (or a vegan version) with olive oil, oregano, and lemon juice. Spread this onto your flatbread for a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the falafels.
    9. Artichoke Hearts and Olives
    Chop up some marinated artichoke hearts and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean touch. These ingredients add tanginess and a bit of saltiness, making the sandwich even more flavorful.
    10. Roasted Chickpeas
    For extra protein and crunch, add roasted chickpeas to your sandwich. Season the chickpeas with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, and roast them until crispy. This adds a crunchy, nutty element to the soft falafels.