1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Garlic-Dill Pickle Falafel Waffles

Garlic-Dill Pickle Falafel Waffles

Category: Midday Meals with a Crispy Twist

Enjoy a flavorful twist on classic falafel by blending chickpeas with fresh dill, minced garlic, and diced pickles, then crisping the mixture in a waffle iron. These golden waffles deliver a punch of herby, tangy flavor with every bite. Served with a creamy tahini-pickle sauce, each serving is satisfying and loaded with Middle Eastern fusion notes. Suitable for vegetarian diets and easy to modify for gluten-free needs, these waffles are perfect with a cucumber-tomato salad or tucked in pita. Top with extra dill or pickles for added zest and color at the table.

Pin It Share It Send It Print It Skip to Recipe
A woman with long hair and a white shirt.
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:54:35 GMT
A plate of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. Save
A plate of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. | krispywithmia.com

If you love the fresh herb-packed crunch of falafel but want something playful for dinner these garlic dill pickle falafel waffles offer a fun twist that brings crispy texture and bold flavor in every bite. This waffle iron method results in golden edges and soft centers sturdy enough for all the sauce you want to pile on.

The first time I made these we used dill pickles from our backyard garden and my friends have begged for the recipe ever since. They taste like street food but are easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • Dried chickpeas: Soaked overnight for authentic texture and robust flavor avoid canned chickpeas for this
  • Fresh dill: Brings herby punch use bright green bunches that smell strong
  • Dill pickles: Packed with tang finely dice for even distribution
  • Garlic: Adds signature falafel richness look for firm heavy cloves
  • Fresh parsley: Softens the flavor buy flat leaf for best result
  • Ground cumin: Delivers earthy depth
  • Ground coriander: Brings citrusy warmth
  • Baking powder: Creates lightness in the waffle
  • Black pepper and kosher salt: For seasoning
  • All purpose flour or chickpea flour: Keeps waffles together opt for chickpea for gluten free
  • Olive oil: Ensures crispness and adds richness go for extra virgin
  • Tahini: For creamy nutty sauce use well stirred and smooth tahini
  • Dill pickle juice: Brightens the sauce choose from your favorite brand or homemade
  • Lemon juice: For acidity and zing
  • Finely chopped dill pickles: Tiny flecks for texture in the sauce
  • Chopped fresh dill: To echo the batter flavor
  • Garlic (for sauce): For pungency in the sauce mince well
  • A pinch of salt: To season sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
In a food processor combine soaked and drained chickpeas garlic fresh dill pickles onion parsley cumin coriander baking powder black pepper and salt. Pulse until the mixture looks finely minced but not a paste stopping to scrape the sides so everything is even.
Stir in Flour and Olive Oil:
Transfer the chickpea mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add flour and olive oil mixing thoroughly until a thick batter forms that holds together when squeezed.
Preheat and Grease the Waffle Iron:
Set your waffle iron to medium high heat and brush the grids generously with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Form and Cook the Waffles:
Scoop about half a cup of batter for each waffle depending on your waffle maker spreading out to the corners. Close the lid and let cook for six to eight minutes until the waffles are golden with crisp edges and easy to lift. Keep warm on a wire rack or low oven while you finish the batch.
Make the Tahini Pickle Sauce:
In a separate bowl whisk tahini dill pickle juice lemon juice water chopped pickles chopped dill minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Thin with water if needed until smooth and pourable.
Assemble and Serve:
Serve the warm falafel waffles drizzled generously with tahini pickle sauce. Top with extra dill or chopped pickles for brightness.
A spoonful of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. Save
A spoonful of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. | krispywithmia.com

My favorite part is the way the pickles add unexpected pops of tartness in every bite. The first time my family tried these they could not stop raving and my cousin ended up making them three times in two weeks.

Storage and Make Ahead

Falafel waffles keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days reheat in the toaster or oven for best crispness. For longer storage freeze cooled waffles between sheets of parchment and toast straight from the freezer.

Ingredient Swaps and Tips

If you do not have fresh dill try flat leaf parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a classic falafel flavor. You can add extra onion for juicier waffles or swap in gluten free flour.

Serving Ideas

Pile these waffles into pitas with lettuce tomato and cucumber for an easy street food style meal. They also pair perfectly with an Israeli salad or even as a base for brunch with poached eggs.

A plate of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. Save
A plate of garlic-dill pickle falafel waffles. | krispywithmia.com

A Bit of Backstory

Falafel is traditionally deep fried but cooking the batter as waffles started showing up in Middle Eastern fusion brunch spots. It is a fun way to serve a staple and lets you batch cook for a crowd with less oil.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

For the best texture, use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas can make the waffles too soft and may not hold shape as well.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or certified gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option without sacrificing texture.

→ What can I serve alongside these waffles?

Enjoy with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, inside warm pita bread, or simply garnish with extra dill and pickles for added freshness.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir well before cooking for best results.

→ Is there a vegan option for the sauce?

The tahini-pickle sauce is naturally vegan. Just ensure any additional ingredients, such as flour, are plant-based.

→ What allergens should I be aware of?

This dish contains sesame (tahini) and legumes (chickpeas), and may include gluten unless a gluten-free flour is used.

Garlic-Dill Pickle Falafel Waffles

Crispy waffles packed with herbed chickpeas, garlic, dill pickles, and topped with tangy tahini sauce.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Mia Chen

Category: Lunch Ideas

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Yield: 4 Serves

Diet Suitability: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Falafel Waffle Batter

01 225 g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
02 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 120 ml fresh dill, chopped
04 120 ml dill pickles, finely diced
05 1 small onion, roughly chopped
06 120 ml fresh parsley, chopped
07 1 tsp ground cumin
08 1 tsp ground coriander
09 0.5 tsp baking powder
10 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
11 1.5 tsp kosher salt
12 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
13 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

→ Tahini-Pickle Sauce

14 80 ml tahini
15 45 ml dill pickle juice
16 30 ml lemon juice
17 30 ml water, plus more if needed for consistency
18 15 ml finely chopped dill pickles
19 15 ml fresh dill, chopped
20 1 garlic clove, minced
21 Pinch of salt

Steps

Step 01

In a food processor, add soaked and drained chickpeas, garlic, chopped dill, diced pickles, onion, parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced but retains texture, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 02

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the flour and olive oil until thoroughly mixed. Batter should be cohesive and hold when pressed together.

Step 03

Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 04

Scoop approximately 120 ml (about 1/2 cup) batter per waffle, adjusting the portion size for your waffle iron. Spread mixture evenly, close the lid, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Gently remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, dill pickle juice, lemon juice, water, chopped pickles, dill, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add extra water to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 06

Arrange warm falafel waffles on plates. Drizzle generously with tahini-pickle sauce and garnish with additional fresh dill or diced pickles, if desired.

Notes

  1. For a classic falafel note, substitute some dill with fresh cilantro.
  2. Serve alongside cucumber-tomato salad or inside warm pita for a more filling presentation.
  3. For a vegan and gluten-free dish, opt for chickpea flour and ensure all labeled ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Food processor
  • Waffle iron
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Contains sesame seeds (tahini)
  • May contain gluten if using all-purpose flour; select certified gluten-free options when required
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas)
  • Ensure packaged products are free from cross-contamination with allergens

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 11 g