If you love bold flavors and crispy, golden bites of deliciousness, get ready to fall in love with the Sudanese Falafel Sandwich! This street food favorite is packed with deep-fried spiced falafel, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini sauce, all wrapped in warm bread. It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
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Unlike traditional Middle Eastern falafel, Sudanese falafel—also known as Ta’mia—is made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture with a uniquely earthy taste. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you’ve ever made falafel any other way!
Why You’ll Love Sudanese Falafel Sandwich
- Crispy & Flavorful: Perfectly seasoned fava bean falafel with a crunchy outside and a soft, herby inside.
- Plant-Based & Protein-Packed: A hearty vegetarian meal that keeps you full and energized.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients, making it an affordable and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Load it up with your favorite veggies and sauces to make it your own.
- Authentic Sudanese Street Food Experience: Bring the flavors of Sudan right to your kitchen!
Ingredients in Sudanese Falafel Sandwich
For the Falafel
- Dried Fava Beans: The base of traditional Sudanese falafel, soaked and blended for the perfect texture.
- Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and savory goodness.
- Fresh Herbs (Cilantro & Parsley): Infuses the falafel with bright, fresh flavor.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Cardamom): Classic Sudanese flavors that make these falafel stand out.
- Baking Powder: Helps create that light, fluffy texture.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
- Sesame Seeds: Gives the falafel an extra crunchy crust when fried.
- Oil for Frying: Traditionally deep-fried for the best texture, but you can also air-fry or bake them.
For the Sandwich
- Sudanese Flatbread (Kisra or Pita): Soft, warm, and perfect for wrapping all the flavors together.
- Tomatoes & Cucumbers: Adds freshness and crunch.
- Lettuce or Cabbage: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the falafel.
- Pickled Vegetables: A tangy kick that balances the richness of the falafel.
- Tahini Sauce: Creamy, nutty, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Hot Sauce (Shata): For those who like a little heat!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Make the Falafel
Soak the Fava Beans:
Rinse the dried fava beans and soak them in water overnight (at least 12 hours). Drain well before using.
Blend the Mixture:
In a food processor, combine the soaked fava beans, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and spices. Blend until you have a coarse paste.
Add Baking Powder & Sesame Seeds:
Mix in the baking powder and sesame seeds, stirring until well combined. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
Shape & Fry:
Form small falafel balls or patties. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Sandwich
Prepare the Bread:
Warm your flatbread or pita for a soft, flexible wrap.
Layer the Ingredients:
Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on the bread. Add falafel, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded lettuce or cabbage.
Add Extras:
Top with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Wrap & Serve:
Fold the sandwich tightly and enjoy while it’s warm!
How to Serve Sudanese Falafel Sandwich
- With a Side of Fries: Crispy fries or potato wedges make a great pairing.
- As a Platter: Serve the falafel with flatbread, hummus, baba ganoush, and a side salad.
- With Extra Sauce: Serve with a bowl of tahini sauce or garlic yogurt dip for dipping.
- As a Salad: Skip the bread and serve the falafel over fresh greens with a drizzle of dressing.
Additional Tips
- Use Dried Fava Beans: Canned beans won’t give the right texture. Always use dried beans and soak them overnight.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the falafel mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before frying.
- Freeze for Later: Uncooked falafel balls can be frozen and fried straight from the freezer.
- Baking Option: Brush falafel with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chickpeas instead of fava beans?
A1: Traditionally, Sudanese falafel is made with fava beans, but chickpeas can work as an alternative if needed.
Q2: What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
A2: Sudanese kisra is traditional, but pita, naan, or any soft flatbread works well.
Q3: Can I make falafel without frying?
A3: Yes! Bake or air-fry them for a healthier option. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
Q4: How do I store leftover falafel?
A4: Store cooked falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q5: Can I make the falafel mixture in advance?
A5: Absolutely! The mixture can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days before frying.
Q6: What other toppings can I add?
A6: Try sliced onions, radishes, roasted eggplant, or even a dollop of hummus for extra flavor.
Q7: Is this dish vegan?
A7: Yes! Sudanese falafel is naturally vegan and packed with plant-based protein.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Falafel freezes well, so make a big batch and store extras for quick meals.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat falafel?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q10: Can I use a different sauce?
A10: Yes! Try garlic sauce, hummus, or a yogurt-based dressing for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
The Sudanese Falafel Sandwich is a must-try if you love bold, fresh, and flavorful street food. With crispy falafel, crunchy veggies, and creamy tahini, every bite is a delicious mix of textures and tastes. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it once, and I promise you’ll be hooked!
Print
Sudanese Falafel Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Sudanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Sudanese Falafel Sandwich is a delicious and crispy chickpea-based street food wrapped in soft pita bread with fresh vegetables and a flavorful tahini sauce. Sudanese falafel, also known as ta’amiya, is unique for its use of fava beans, giving it a distinct taste and texture. This healthy homemade recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and high-protein recipes for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Falafel:
- 1 cup dried fava beans (soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 pita breads or Sudanese flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickles (optional)
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Falafel Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans. Add them to a food processor along with parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, black pepper, sesame seeds, and flour. Blend until a thick paste forms.
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Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Shape and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Scoop small portions of the falafel mixture and shape them into small patties or balls. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
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Assemble the Sandwich: Warm the pita bread, then spread a layer of tahini sauce inside. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles. Place the crispy falafel inside and drizzle with extra tahini sauce.
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Serve Immediately and enjoy this flavorful Sudanese street food!
Notes
- You can air-fry or bake the falafel at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version.
- Serve with hummus or spicy harissa sauce for extra flavor.
- Store leftover falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg