Falafel Bowls are simply amazing! This one has the flavours of everything in a falafel wrap with none of the gluten.

Food bowls are trendy and you can’t help but see pictures of gorgeous bowls all over social media. No matter what you call them they’re typically healthy and they’re often gluten free. Yay!

What’s a Food Bowl and Is It Gluten Free

In the recipe description for my Asian inspired Buddha Bowl, I wrote all about how to build a bowl. I also talked with Sue Jennett about this on her podcast episode 101. You can check those out here:

• Asian inspired Buddha Bowls with vegan or meat options and a peanut dressing.
• A Canadian Celiac Podcast, episode 101: What’s a Food Bowl and Is It Gluten Free.

K.I.S.S.

I’ve revised the K.I.S.S. acronym for a gluten free lifestyle and when I use it it means Keep It Simple and Safe. If you’re new to making food bowls this is my best advice, keep it simple!

No two bowls are going to be the same so think of the recipe as a guide. Don’t even try to follow it exactly. Buy what you like and use what you have in your fridge. As you make more bowls you’ll become more adventurous and then you can have fun trying different ingredients.

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Homemade Falafel Balls

Falafel balls are not as hard as you think, seriously! In my recipe you do not have to cook the chickpeas, you simply soak them.

Here’s my 3-step process.

1. Buy dried chickpeas (usually a 1 pound bag).
2. When you’re unpacking the groceries dump the chickpeas into a bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight.
3. The next day drain the chickpeas and combine in a food processor with the remaining ingredients. Puree then scoop into balls. Bake or pan fry and you’re done.

In this recipe for Falafel Bowls I’m including all the fixins’ for a bowl plus two sauces to serve with it. Click here to see the recipe for falafel balls.

Serving Middle Eastern Falafel Bowls

What I like about serving healthy bowls for dinner is the endless variety. You can make everyone happy and keep it simple at the same time.

This recipe starts with a Vegan Falafel Bowl that’s gluten free, dairy free and meat free. Here are two ways you can serve them.

Family Style Falafel Bowls

For everyday meals prepare the basic bowl with a few ingredients like rice, spinach and falafel balls. This step is perfect when you want to divide a particular ingredient among all the bowls (the last 12 falafel balls out of the freezer). Serve the remaining ingredients and sauces on platters at the table family style.

DIY Falafel Bowls for a Party

Create a gorgeous buffet and let guests build their own bowls DIY style. This is fun but it’s also ideal for groups with different dietary needs and preferences. For a big crowd serve the sauces at the table so no one has to get up for more of that deliciousness.

Where’s The Meat

If you’re serving Pork Kebabs be sure to time it so the meat comes off the barbecue when everyone is seated. All the other ingredients for these Falafel Bowls can be served at room temperature so this works for both family style or a DIY buffet.

Organize For Success: Stocking A Gluten Free Pantry

There may be a few ingredients you don’t have but I can help you use them up if you add them to your pantry. These are the less common ingredients I used:

• Tahini is a staple for anyone who makes hummus.
• Buy pomegranate molasses on Amazon (learn more about using it in my post, Pomegranate Molasses)
• When you buy za’atar spice blend check for gluten free; for anyone allergic to sesame I found a sesame-free za’atar. I had all the spices in the cupboard so I just made it myself.
• Gluten free sumac was easy to find online and also in a grocery store with a large section of ethnic foods. I already had some in my cupboard from the Harvest Jewelled Salad I made last year.

Are you ready to make Falafel Bowls for dinner? Start with what you think is simple and just give it a try.

I can’t wait to see your Falafel Bowl on social media. No matter how simple it is or how ordinary you think your picture looks, share it! I’d love to hear in the comments how you liked it and I’m happy to celebrate with you and see your photo on social media. Share it!

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