Fava Bean Falafel with Garlic Cucumber Tzatziki

Name: Fava Bean Falafel with Garlic Cucumber Tzatziki
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Ingredients: 300 g dried split or peeled fava beans, soaked overnight; 1 whole small onion, roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic; 1 cup parsley leaves; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 3/4 tsp fine salt; 750 ml neutral oil, for frying; 250 g Greek yogurt; 1 whole small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp chopped dill

Herby fava bean falafel with cumin, parsley and a cool garlic cucumber tzatziki.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hrMakes 4 servings

Jump to Recipe

This falafel uses soaked dried fava beans, herbs, onion and cumin, served with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce. The source calls for fava beans rather than chickpeas, so the recipe keeps that ingredient and stresses that the beans must be dried and soaked, not cooked canned beans. Drain them thoroughly and pulse until the mixture holds together while retaining a little texture. Fry a small test patty first to check seasoning and binding. Serve hot with tzatziki, pita and salad. Cover dried fava beans with plenty of cold water and soak 12 to 18 hours. Drain and rinse well. Mix yogurt, squeezed cucumber, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill and a pinch of salt. Chill.

Fava Bean Falafel with Garlic Cucumber Tzatziki

How to tell when it is ready

Patties are deep golden and hot through; fry a test piece first.

Tips

Soak beans overnight.
Drain beans very thoroughly.
Pulse to a coarse texture.
Fry a test patty before shaping the batch.

Troubleshooting

If the dish cooks unevenly, cut ingredients into similar sizes.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil if needed.
Choose fresh herbs that complement the dish.

Variations

Adjust herbs or seasoning to taste.
Add a pinch of chilli for gentle heat.

Serving suggestions

Serve in pita with salad.
Offer lemon wedges.
Add pickled onions.
Pair with chopped tomato and cucumber.

Make ahead

Prepare and measure ingredients in advance; finish cooking shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains dairy. Never use raw or canned cooked beans for this dried-bean falafel method. Handle hot oil carefully and cook patties through.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare suitable components ahead and refrigerate them promptly.

How should I store fava bean falafel with tzatziki?

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Fava Bean Falafel with Garlic Cucumber Tzatziki