This recipe offers all the flavor and texture of a traditional falafel wrap but with a fun and slightly messy twist. Smashing the falafel gives it extra crispy edges and helps it soak up the sauces better. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and condiments, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or tailoring to your own tastes. Plus, it’s completely vegetarian (and can be vegan), high in fiber, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Falafel patties (homemade or store-bought)
Pita bread or flatbread
Hummus
Tahini sauce or garlic sauce
Lettuce or mixed greens
Tomato, diced or sliced
Cucumber, thinly sliced
Pickled red onions or pickles
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Olive oil (for cooking or drizzling)
Lemon wedges (optional)
Directions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
Place the falafel patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Once cooked, use a spatula to gently smash each falafel patty to flatten slightly. Let them crisp up for another minute.
Warm the pita bread briefly in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Spread a generous layer of hummus inside the pita.
Add smashed falafel patties, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, and fresh herbs.
Drizzle with tahini sauce or garlic sauce, and squeeze a little lemon juice if desired.
Fold or wrap the pita and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 pita sandwiches. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use a vegan yogurt-based sauce instead of tahini for a creamy contrast.
Add spicy harissa or chili sauce for a kick.
Use naan or lavash instead of pita for a different wrap texture.
Include grilled eggplant or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
Make it a bowl instead of a wrap by serving the smashed falafel over rice or salad greens.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the falafel in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the falafel soggy. Assembled pitas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
FAQs
What is a smash falafel?
A smash falafel is a regular falafel patty that is gently flattened in a hot skillet to create more crispy surface area and better sauce absorption.
Can I use store-bought falafel?
Yes, store-bought falafel works perfectly in this recipe and saves time.
How do I keep the pita from tearing?
Warming the pita before filling helps make it more flexible and less likely to tear.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegan sauces and pita, the recipe is fully plant-based.
Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of sauce works best?
Tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or a lemony yogurt dressing are all great options.
Can I freeze falafel for later use?
Yes, cooked falafel can be frozen and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
What other toppings can I add?
Try shredded carrots, olives, jalapeños, or a dollop of baba ganoush for added flavor.
How do I make homemade falafel?
You’ll need soaked chickpeas, herbs, garlic, onion, and spices blended and shaped into patties, then fried or baked. A food processor helps with consistency.
What side dishes go well with smash falafel pita?
Serve with tabbouleh, couscous salad, lentil soup, or fries for a full meal.
Conclusion
Smash falafel pita is an easy and exciting way to enjoy a classic vegetarian favorite with a crispier twist. The combination of warm pita, crunchy falafel, fresh toppings, and creamy sauces makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a quick meal or entertaining guests, it’s a customizable, wholesome option that everyone will love.
Smash falafel pita is a fun twist on the classic falafel wrap, featuring crispy, smashed falafel tucked into warm pita bread with fresh veggies and flavorful sauces. It’s a street-food-style vegetarian meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
8 falafel patties (homemade or store-bought)
4 pita breads or flatbreads
1/2 cup hummus
1/4 cup tahini sauce or garlic sauce
1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
1 tomato, diced or sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pickled red onions or pickles
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking or drizzling)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Place the falafel patties in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Use a spatula to gently smash each patty and let cook for another minute to crisp up more.
Warm the pita bread briefly in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Spread a layer of hummus inside each pita.
Place smashed falafel patties inside the pita.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, and fresh herbs.
Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Fold or wrap the pita and serve immediately.
Notes
Warming the pita helps prevent tearing when assembling.You can use naan or lavash instead of pita for a different texture.Make it a bowl by serving falafel over rice or salad instead of pita.Store leftover falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or air fryer.For extra flavor, add grilled eggplant or spicy harissa.
