Save A vibrant and festive vegetarian wrap featuring crispy falafel, creamy tzatziki, and colorful vegetables, arranged in a wreath for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in our family, impressing all our guests with its vibrant presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Falafel: 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1 small onion roughly chopped, 3 cloves garlic, ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or pan-frying)
- Tzatziki: 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat), ½ cup finely grated cucumber excess liquid squeezed out, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic finely minced, 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped, salt and black pepper to taste
- Wrap & Garnishes: 6 large flour or spinach tortillas, 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ½ small red onion thinly sliced, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional), fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, flour, and baking powder. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms do not over-process.
- Shape Falafel:
- Shape the mixture into 18–20 small falafel balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet and brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake Falafel:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes turning halfway until golden and crisp. Alternatively pan-fry in batches with a little olive oil.
- Prepare Tzatziki:
- In a bowl mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
- Warm Tortillas:
- Warm the tortillas gently in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Arrange Wreath:
- Lay out the tortillas in a circular wreath pattern on a large serving board or platter overlapping slightly.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread a layer of tzatziki onto each tortilla. Top with spinach, falafel, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta (if using).
- Form Wrap:
- Fold and tuck the tortillas to enclose the filling forming a continuous wreath. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves. Serve extra tzatziki on the side.
Save Preparing this wreath together has become a delightful family tradition, sparking conversations and smiles every holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lime to balance the herbaceous and creamy flavors.
Variations
Add roasted red peppers, cucumber ribbons, or pickled turnips for extra color and flavor.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas), dairy (Greek yogurt, feta). For gluten-free use gluten-free tortillas and verify all ingredients. For dairy-free substitute with plant-based yogurt and omit feta.
Save This festive falafel wreath makes for a stunning and delicious holiday centerpiece that's sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve crispy falafel without deep frying?
Baking the falafel on a parchment-lined sheet and brushing them lightly with olive oil creates a golden, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt in the tzatziki?
Yes, plant-based yogurt can be used for a dairy-free option without compromising the creamy texture.
- → What’s the purpose of arranging the wrap as a wreath?
Shaping the wrap in a wreath creates an eye-catching presentation perfect for holiday gatherings while making portioning easy.
- → How can I enhance the color and flavor of the garnishes?
Adding pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and optional roasted red peppers or cucumber ribbons adds vibrant color and fresh notes.
- → Is it possible to prepare the components ahead of time?
Falafel can be made in advance and reheated briefly, while tzatziki benefits from resting to develop flavors; assemble just before serving.