Cava Falafel Recipe

A few days ago, I went to the Cava restaurant and tried their famous “Cava Falafel.” Falafel is one of my all-time favorite snacks, and I couldn’t resist the idea of recreating it at home. The taste was amazing, and I just had to try making it myself. I’ll never forget the first time I tried falafel. Stuffed into pita bread with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and a big slather of hummus, it was crispy, rich, and bursting with earthy, aromatic flavor.

If you love falafel as much as I do, you’ll enjoy this simple and delicious Cava Falafel copycat recipe. Here’s how you can bring that delicious Cava Falafel flavor to your own kitchen.

What Does Cava Falafel Taste Like?

The Cava falafel stands out for its unique blend of flavors and textures. The exterior is wonderfully crispy, while the inside remains soft and moist, bursting with the earthy taste of chickpeas, the freshness of cilantro and parsley, and the warm spice of cumin. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the optional fire-roasted jalapeños add a smoky kick, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavors.

How to Make This Cava Falafel Recipe

I love making this Cava Falafel recipe—it’s a delicious, healthier twist on a classic! It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Gather the mentioned ingredients and follow my recipe instructions.

Cava Falafel Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this Cava Spicy Falafel:

• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 2-3 cup
• 2-3 fire-roasted jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)

Kitchen Tools

• Bowl
• Scoop
• Deep skillet or pot
• Paper towel-lined plate

Instructions To Make Cava Falafel

Step1: Mash Chickpeas:

Mash half of the chickpeas in a bowl, leaving the rest whole.

Step 2: Add Ingredients and Combine:

Add in salt, cilantro, parsley, onion, cumin, jalapeños (if using), and flour in the same bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Make Falafel Balls:

Use a scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into small balls.

Step 4: Fry Falafel:

In a deep skillet or pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the falafel in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Drain Falafel:

Transfer the fried falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Recipe Variations

• Baked Falafel: For a healthier version, brush the falafel balls with a little oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Air Fryer Falafel: Another healthy option is to cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Different Beans: Try using fava beans instead of chickpeas for a traditional Egyptian twist.

What Do You Eat Cava Falafel With?

• In a Pita: Serve with hummus, tahini, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for a classic falafel sandwich.
• On a Salad: Top a bed of greens with falafel, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing, healthy meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy with a side of tzatziki or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Mezze Platter: Include falafel as part of a spread with baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves for a delightful Mediterranean feast.

How to Store Cava Falafel

After making this spicy falafel, you may want to or have some leftovers then follow this to preserve or have your falafel later.

Storing Cooked Falafel

Refrigeration

• Cool Completely: Let falafel cool to room temperature.
• Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container.
• Duration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool Completely: Allow falafel to cool.
• Flash Freeze: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours.
• Transfer: Move to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Duration: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storing Uncooked Falafel Mixture

Refrigeration

• Airtight Container: Place mixture in an airtight container.
• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Cook: Shape into balls and fry or bake as usual.

Freezing

• Shape Balls: Form mixture into balls.
• Flash Freeze: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer: Move to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Duration: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Cook: Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating Falafel

Oven

• Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C).
• Reheat: Bake for 10-15 minutes (fresh) or 15-20 minutes (frozen).

Air Fryer

• Preheat Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C).
• Reheat: Air fry for 5-7 minutes (fresh) or 10-12 minutes (frozen).

Microwave

• Microwave-Safe Plate: Place falafel on the plate.
• Cover: Use a damp paper towel.
• Reheat: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common FAQs about Cava Falafel Recipe, that you may need to know:

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they need to be soaked overnight and then cooked until tender before using in the recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as fresh.

Can I make falafel without frying?

Absolutely! You can bake or air fry the falafel for a healthier option.

How do I prevent the falafel from falling apart?

Make sure your mixture is not too wet. Adding a bit more flour can help bind it together.

What oil is best for frying falafel?

Vegetable or canola oil works best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Continue to Content

Cava Falafel Recipe

Yield: 16-20 falafel balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

"Discover how to make Cava's famous falafel at home! Enjoy crispy, flavorful bites with this easy recipe, perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more."

Print

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 2-3 cup
• 2-3 fire-roasted jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Mash Chickpeas: Mash half of the chickpeas in a bowl, leaving the rest whole.
   
2. Add Ingredients and Combine: Add in salt, cilantro, parsley, onion, cumin, jalapeños (if using), and flour in the same bowl. Mix until well combined.
   
3. Make Falafel Balls: Use a scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into small balls.
   
4. Fry Falafel: In a deep skillet or pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the falafel in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
   
5. Drain Falafel: Transfer the fried falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g

The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.

Did you make this recipe?

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Conclusion

Cava falafels offer a captivating blend of textures and flavors. They have a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a soft, herby, and slightly spicy interior.

Recreating the taste of Cava Falafel at home is a enjoyable experience that allows you to enjoy this beloved snack anytime you crave it. Cava falafel is a versatile and delicious choice that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.