Description
This Mediterranean Falafel Rice Stack is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines fluffy rice cooked in chicken broth with homemade falafel balls and sautéed vegetables. Layered beautifully, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of spices and textures, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Falafel
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Falafel: In a bowl, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into small balls. Refrigerate the formed falafel balls for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
- Cook the Falafel: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the falafel balls in the skillet, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and heated through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the falafel, add the sliced red bell pepper, sliced onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble: In a serving dish, layer the cooked rice, falafel balls, and sautéed vegetables to create a visually appealing and flavorful stack.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Falafel Rice Stack immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating falafel mixture before cooking helps them hold their shape during frying.
- If you prefer vegan or vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
