Soft Baked Falafel Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 garlic clove (very small amount)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method

1. 01

   Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment and grease with olive oil.

2. 02

   Drain and rinse chickpeas. Pulse in a food processor with garlic, cumin, and flour until coarse crumbles form (not a paste).

3. 03

   Shape into small rounds (about 3 cm) and place on the prepared tray. Flatten slightly.

4. 04

   Brush tops with olive oil and bake 22–25 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly golden and firm outside but soft inside.

5. 05

   Cool completely before serving. Test each bite — centre must squish easily.

How to offer

Place 2–3 falafel bites on the high chair tray. Always supervise during feeding. Baked (not fried) falafel stays moist and soft — essential for a 6-month-old. Serve with a soft yogurt or hummus dip alongside for extra nutrition.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven at 170°C.