Prepare to fall head over heels for this falafel platter! With the crispiness of falafels, the juicy cherry tomatoes, the crunchy cucumber slices, and the briny olive mix, every mouthful of this platter offers a delightful interplay of textures. It's a party for your senses!
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To make this platter you can use this Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Falafel recipe
If you want recipes to serve for your next gathering try these recipes
Roasted Lupini Beans in the Air Fryer
Easy homemade dill pickle hummus
Why you will love this recipe
The beauty of this platter lies in its versatility. You have the freedom to customize it according to your preferences. Add extra toppings, experiment with different sauces, or incorporate your favorite Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients. Let your creativity soar!
The falafel appetizer platter is also a fantastic option for social gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
To create this incredible falafel platter, gather the following ingredients
Notes on the ingredients
Let's dive into some notes about the ingredients featured in this delicious falafel appetizer platter:
Falafels: These delightful morsels are made from a base of chickpeas, which are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits.
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek condiment made from strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It offers a cool and creamy element to the falafel appetizer platter, balancing the richness of the falafels and adding a refreshing tang.
Tahini Sauce: Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, forms the base of the luscious tahini sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with vibrant red color and a hint of sweetness, cherry tomatoes are a delightful addition to the falafel platter.
English Cucumber: With its crisp texture and mild flavor, the English cucumber brings a refreshing element.
Olive Mix: The olive mix adds a burst of briny and tangy flavors to the platter.
Stuffed Vine Leaves: These tender vine leaves stuffed with a savory filling offer a unique and tantalizing addition to the platter. The vine leaves impart a delicate flavor, while the filling often includes a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices.
Pickle Turnips: Pickled turnips provide a zesty and tangy kick.
Thin Flatbreads/Pita: Pita bread, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, serves as a vessel for the falafels and toppings.
Lemon: The addition of lemon quarters brings a bright and zesty element.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations
Here are some variations you can explore:
Dips and sauces: Expand your range of dipping sauces by introducing new flavors. Consider adding a spicy harissa sauce, a tangy mango chutney, or a smoky roasted red pepper dip. These alternative sauces will add an extra layer of complexity and excitement to your platter.
Grilled vegetables: Enhance the flavors of your platter by including grilled vegetables. Marinate and grill slices of eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers, and serve them alongside the falafels. The smoky and charred notes of the grilled vegetables will add depth and a deliciously rustic touch to your platter.
Mediterranean twists: Give your platter a Mediterranean flair by incorporating elements like tabbouleh, greek salad, marinated artichoke hearts, or crumbled feta cheese.
Storage
Falafels: If you have leftover homemade falafels, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven or in a skillet until heated through. Store-bought falafels usually come with specific storage instructions on the packaging, so follow those guidelines for the best results.
Tzatziki and Tahini Sauce: Tzatziki and tahini sauce should be kept refrigerated in their original containers. They can typically be refrigerated for about 5 to 7 days. If you've made homemade versions, transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, give them a stir and adjust the consistency if needed by adding a little water or lemon juice.
Vegetables: The cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and any other fresh vegetables should be stored separately from the sauces and falafels. Place them in airtight containers or sealable bags and refrigerate. They can typically be stored for 3 to 5 days.
Olive Mix and Stuffed Vine Leaves: Transfer any remaining olive mix or stuffed vine leaves to airtight containers and refrigerate. They can generally be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the original packaging and consume them before that date.
Pickle Turnips: Store-bought pickled turnips should be kept refrigerated according to the instructions on the packaging. Once opened, transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate. They can usually be stored for a couple of weeks.
Pita Bread: If you have leftover pita bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag to prevent drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days
Serving
When it comes to serving your falafel mezze platter, presentation and attention to detail can elevate the dining experience. Here are some tips for serving your platter in style:
Platter Selection: Choose a large, decorative platter or a wooden serving board that can accommodate all the components of the falafel appetizer platter.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint over the platter just before serving.
Utensils and Serveware: Provide small bowls or plates, cocktail picks, or serving spoons to facilitate easy self-service.
Top tips
Here are some tips to enhance your falafel appetizer platter experience:
Homemade falafels: If you have the time and inclination, consider making your own falafels from scratch. This allows you to control the flavors and texture to your liking.
Variety of sauces: Experiment with different sauces to accompany your falafels. Alongside hummus and tahini sauce, you can add other Middle Eastern favorites such as garlic yogurt sauce, harissa, or creamy hummus. These sauces provide a range of flavors and complement the falafels beautifully.
Vibrant fresh veggies toppings: Don't be afraid to explore a variety of vegetables to add color and freshness to your platter. Consider adding sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, or pickled vegetables like beets or carrots.
Play with herbs and spices: To elevate the flavors of your falafel platter, sprinkle fresh herbs like mint or dill over the toppings. This adds a refreshing and aromatic element to each bite. Additionally, sprinkle some sumac or za'atar seasoning for an extra burst of Middle Eastern flavors.
Warm pita bread: Warm the pita bread briefly in the oven or on a grill before serving. This brings out their natural flavors and makes them softer and more pliable, perfect for wrapping around falafels and scooping up the various toppings and sauces.
Garnish with fresh lemon: Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the falafel platter. The bright acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness and adds a tangy zest that enhances the overall taste experience.
Presentation: Pay attention to the visual appeal of your platter. Arrange the components in an artful and eye-catching manner, using contrasting colors and textures. Consider using a large platter or a wooden board to create a visually stunning centerpiece for your gathering.
FAQ
Absolutely! You can make the falafels ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, you can reheat them in the oven or a skillet until warmed through.
Yes, falafels can be frozen. If you want to make them ahead of time or have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or skillet until heated through.
Absolutely! Making your own hummus and tahini sauce. You can customize the flavors and adjust the consistency to your liking.
While the falafel appetizer platter is typically served as an appetizer or part of a mezze spread, you can certainly enjoy it as a main course. You can increase the portion sizes, add more pita bread or wraps, and include additional protein to make it a more substantial family dinner.
The number of servings depends on the portion sizes and the appetites of your guests. As a general guideline, a platter with 16 falafels and a generous amount of toppings can serve approximately 4-6 people as an appetizer. Adjust the quantities based on the number of guests and their appetites.
Homemade Hummus
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Falafel Platter
Ingredients
- 16 falafels homemade falafel or storebough
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup tahini sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber sliced
- 1 package olive mix or use only kalamata olives
- 1 can 400g stuffed vine leave
- ¾ cup turnip pickles
- 3 flatbreads pita wedges
- 1 lemon cut in quarter cut in quarter
- fine sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by heating and arranging the falafels on your serving platter.
- Surround tzatziki and tahini sauce.
- Place the cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices around the falafels.
- Place olive mix and pickle turnips in a bowl.
- Place stuffed vine leaves on the platter.
- Warm the thin flatbreads of pita and add them to the platter
- Finally, garnish the platter quarters of lemon
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