FALAFEL BOWL WITH Suma

This vibrant falafel bowl is our adaptogenic take on a classic. The falafel is made with whole chickpeas, fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of Suma for a functional, earthy boost. Air-fried for a crispy finish, they’re the perfect plant-based protein to anchor this nourishing bowl.

Paired with fluffy rice, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, pickled onions, creamy hummus, and warm pita, this bowl is both grounding and refreshing. A drizzle of garlic-lemon dressing ties everything together with bright, zesty flavor.

Wholesome, energizing, and easy to assemble—this is everyday nourishment elevated with ancient plant medicine.

RECIPE

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Method: air fryer
Yield: 1 bowl
Category: savory, lunch
Recipe by: Katie Schlegel

Ingredients:

For the Falafel:

• 3 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight or canned and drained)
  
• 1 shallot
  
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley
  
• ¼ cup avocado oil
  
• 4 garlic cloves
  
• 1 Tbsp cumin
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp sea salt
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ½ tsp baking powder
  
• 1 Tbsp Suma powder
  
• Juice of 1 lemon
  

For the Garlic Lemon Dressing:

• ½ cup garlic cloves
  
• ¼ cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  
• ¼ cup lemon juice
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• ¾ cup avocado oil

Instructions: 

For the Falafel:

1. Prepare the falafel mix: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, shallot, parsley, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, baking powder, Suma, lemon juice, and avocado oil. Pulse until a textured, slightly sticky dough forms—do not over process.
   
2. Shape the falafel: Scoop and form the mixture into small patties or balls using damp hands or a cookie scoop.
   
3. Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil the basket or spray the falafel. Cook in batches for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
   

For the Dressing:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, aquafaba, lemon juice, and salt.
   
2. Blend until smooth.
   
3. While blending on low, slowly drizzle in avocado oil until the dressing emulsifies and becomes creamy.

Layer the following in a bowl:

• Cooked rice (any variety)
  
• Sliced cucumbers
  
• Cherry tomatoes
  
• Kalamata olives
  
• Pickled red onions
  
• A scoop of hummus
  
• Fresh pita on the side
  
• A few Falafel
  
• Drizzle with Garlic Lemon Dressing