Spinach & Zucchini Falafels with Colorful Twists

These spinach and zucchini falafels are a fresh, light, and colorful twist on the classic.
Instead of heavy flours, the base is a wholesome mix of coconut and hemp flours, blended spinach, and shredded zucchini.
Coated lightly in oat bran for a delicate crust, they bake up tender inside, with the option to add beautiful natural colors like pink hibiscus, green matcha, or golden turmeric.
Perfect for wraps, salads, dipping plates — or simply eaten on their own!

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Falafels

Ingredients (makes about 15 small falafels)

For the batter:

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• 1/2 tbsp hemp flour

• 50 g cooked chickpeas

• 1 handful fresh spinach (about 30–40 g), blended into a smooth purée

• 50 g shredded zucchini (lightly squeezed to remove excess water)

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (or garlic-infused oil)

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp baking powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp warm water, as needed (adjust depending on consistency)

For coating:

• 6-7 tbsp oat bran

Optional Color Add-ins:

• 1 tsp hibiscus powder (for pink)

• ½ tsp matcha powder (for vibrant green)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder (for bright yellow)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine coconut flour, hemp flour, spinach purée, shredded zucchini, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir together; add a little warm water if the mixture feels too dry — it should be moist and easy to form.

3. If you want colorful falafels, divide the batter and stir in hibiscus, matcha, or turmeric powder into separate portions.

4. Form small balls or slightly flattened patties with damp hands (makes about 15 pieces).

5. Roll each falafel gently in oat bran to coat.

6. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and lightly golden.

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Serving Ideas

• Over fresh baby spinach leaves.

  
  
  

• Tucked into warm bread with herb dip.

• With crunchy breadsticks or vegetable sticks.

  
  
  

• Wrapped in a tortilla with hummus and cucumber.

• Or on a big mezze platter with olives, tomatoes, and your favorite spreads.

So many delicious ways to enjoy them!

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Nutritional Information (per 3 small falafels, estimated)

• Calories: ~105 kcal

• Protein: ~6 g

• Carbohydrates: ~9 g

• Fat: ~4 g

• Fiber: ~5 g