Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites {Gluten Free}

July 25, 2016 128 Comments

Vegan

Dairy Free

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Healthy Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites! These Vegan Falafel bites are super easy to make with just a can of chickpeas, spices, veggies, jalapeño, and gluten free flour. No eggs needed. Great for a quick finger food meal or a wholesome appetizer!

I’m a little sad that bowls recipe week is over. But then again, that just means I can move onto the next best thing. BITES! Right? Haha, actually I do have another bite recipe (in the form of Healthy bites) this week so it’s looking like bite week is semi-happening. None the less, Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites are where it’s at on this Meatless Monday! Gluten free, grain free, and oh …. sneaky sneaky extra veggies hidden inside. CAN YOU HANDLE THAT? Yes, yes you can!

When the Kiwi and I were first married, jetting around to race to race, one of our favorite places to go was San Diego! They had this awesome little vegetarian cafe in Encinitas called Roxy’s. BEST FALAFELS and HUMMUS EVER! We often joke that we will travel back just for the falafels alone. Haha, I feel like I say that a lot with food and traveling. But it’s totally legit, right?

Well fast forward 8 years and now I am on a mission to recreate that falafel platter, but gluten free and vegan falafel style! Why? Because for one, I love a good food allergy recipe challenge. And two, gluten free falafels are pretty readily available now (yay)! But not for those who limit egg intake or are vegan/gluten free. It can be difficult to find store bought or a good QUALITY recipe. Being that this is my full time job (to recipe test test test all the things), I am happy to accommodate to certain food allergies or preferences for my fellow foodies, friends, families, readers, and MYSELF. Duh!

How to Make Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites {1 Minute Video}

I almost must confess, I totally made these Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites for the nerdy nutrition facts too. You missed those, didn’t you?

Let’s examine what makes these gluten free Mexican Vegan Falafel bites EASY, DELICIOUS, and OH SO SNEAKY HEALTHY!

Hint –> there is a mix of extra veggies in the batter.

First: Chickpeas are LOADED with plant based Iron. YEA! Which is definitely needed on a vegan/vegetarian diet. An another reason I LOVE using chickpeas in vegan protein bars. Digestion TIPS –> soak the chickpeas overnight in water to reduce the raffinose (sugar that is hard to digest) and the phytic acid. Will HELP ease digestion A TON!
Second: In order to pump up the Iron absorption and fiber, I mixed in a broccoli/cauliflower “rice.” Broccoli is high in iron and high in vitamin C. This combination results in generous levels of iron absorption. It’s like a little micronutrient tango! Not to mention helps prevent anemia, boost energy, and your immune system.

(note –> this is what the batter will look like before rolling).

And third: The herbs and spices in these vegan falafels are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. YEA Buddy! Cumin (in particular) is said to have an higher antioxidant level than that of Vitamin C. Crazy good! (source). Plus one study showed it boosted immune system during times of stress. Like say… when you’re stressed about DINNER! Haha, I”m kidding. kinda.

BONUS TIP –> serve these Spicy vegan falafels with a roasted red pepper dip, tomato salsa, or a creamy green veggie dressing to get even more VITAMIN C. Gotta love that Iron absorption support. You could also make My Gluten-Free Kitchen’s Gluten-Free Chips Avocado Bites for a complete MEXICAN SNACK BITE meal. YES!!!

So you see, I kinda like making food as FUEL in all sorts of ways. These gluten free and Mexican inspired vegan falafel bites are just my way of sayin you don’t have to skimp on flavor, or texture, OR HEALTH if you have food intolerances. Capeesh? Oh and even if you are healthy as a horse with NO allergies or food intolerances, these vegan falafels are still LEGIT. Hands down! Or Hands up and wave them in the air like you just don’t care. Ohh.. did I just say that? Corniness. Dang!

Plant based, protein and fiber packed, SPIC

Okay, let’s get the BALL.. I mean Bite rolling. These vegan falafels are SUPER easy to make. And you can make the batter ahead of time. You can also freeze them for later use. Freezer friendly, just like my vegan burgers. Yup! LOVE that meal prep.