What to eat with falafel

There are some dishes that are pretty independent. They can deliver the satisfaction required all on their own. Take for instance a Shawarma. It can have meat, pita bread, vegetables and sauces all in one.  Then there are dishes that work best in pairs. Fish and chips, Chips and chicken, Bangers and mash.

Falafel fits in both these categories. It can stand on its own but plays well with others too. Falafel is a vegetarian, meatball-like treat made from a mixture of chickpeas or fava beans, fresh herbs, and spices, then formed into small patties or balls.

 If you have ever wondered what to eat with falafel, we have some ideas.

With a pita pocket

Street vendors across the Middle East serve Falafel in pita pockets and for good reason. It makes it easy to transport and eat on the go and it gives you room to put so many other ingredients into the mix. Include veggies, hummus and tahini and you will have a meal good enough for breakfast or lunch.

Falafel and buffalo wings

Falafel is a made from a mixture of chickpeas, herbs and spices. It is no surprise that one of the best things to eat with this vegetarian treat is something meaty. Buffalo wings are saucy and with the right coating can have that slightly sweet taste. Imagine that alongside some falafel and you might make this appetizer into your main dish.

Baba Ganoush

If however you want to keep the pairing vegetarian, think of Baba Ganoush.  It is made by combining mashed cooked eggplant, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. The result is a thick spread that will pair well with your falafel.

Falafel and Tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki is top of mind when it comes to what to eat with falafel. It might be because the sauce is cool where falafel is spicy. Those notes extend to temperature as well. Tzatziki chilled overnight can go quite well with a warm falafel. You can buy Tzatziki already made or go the DIY route, prep time is about 10 minutes.

It is made by combining: 2 cups chopped and grated cucumber, 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt, 1 1/2 table spoons of lemon juice, 4 pressed garlic cloves, 1/3 cup chopped dill, salt (to taste) and a little  black pepper. Make sure you drain the cucumbers of as much water as possible in order to keep the sauce thick.

Falafel as part of a mezze platter

If you really do not want to choose what to eat with falafel, you can have it as part of a Mezze platter and have it with everything!

With falafel as the center dish, add grilled or roasted vegetables (eggplants, carrots, potatoes and zucchini are popular), a salad, tahini sauce, a dressing of your choice, hummus and pita breed. With a mezze platter, you have the freedom to add things that you might not ordinarily see being served alongside falafel.

Falafels are versatile. Whether served alone or with other dishes, they are delicious.