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Street Food Tuesday, Falafel Naan Wraps with Golden Rice and Special Sauce. Homemade, veggie filled falafel, combined with turmeric infused golden rice, all stuffed inside fresh naan. The naan is then topped with lettuce, cucumber, and the most addicting “special” sauce…that just so happens to be way healthier than the original. This loaded street food style wrap is SO GOOD, and makes for a fun, delicious, and different weeknight dinner!
You guys remember a couple of weeks ago when I shared this herbed garlic naan? Well, as you can guess, I’m very obsessed with that recipe. Naan is one of the few recipes that I make over and over again, at least once a week. No exaggeration.
Here’s the thing. I only made the herbed garlic naan to use for these wraps. I needed a sturdy, but delicious flatbread that would hold rice, falafel, and toppings. Normally, I might just pick something up from the store, but our grocery store really does not have the best selection when it comes to bread. Since I can make naan so easily, I never buy it from the store…
Well…there was that one time last week…but I whole heartedly regretted it.
Anyway, as I was making the naan, I decided I’d also share the new naan recipe with you guys. So first came the herbed garlic naan, then the naan grilled cheese, and now, finally, the falafel naan wraps. All spaced a week apart, very purposely, so as to not overwhelm you with naan recipes. Not that, that would be a bad thing, but you know, balance is always good!
I’m going to start out by saying that this is not one of my crazy simple recipes. BUT it’s also not hard. It’s just has some steps, some layers of flavor, and yeah, it will take more than 30 minutes. I know this is not ideal for every night of the week, but again, balance.
First up, the rice. GOLDEN RICE, I’m all about some golden rice. It’s simple. Just melt a little butter, add in some turmeric and crushed red pepper, add in the rice and water, and let it all slowly steam. And there you have it – golden rice!
Next, the falafel. I used my base recipe that I always use, but swapped carrots for cauliflower. You can honestly use whatever veggie you have on hand. Just use one that’s not made up of all water. I recommend carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli. The falafel is really easy to make, but you do need a food processor for best results.
Once the falafel is made, it’s time to fry. Now, before everyone asks, yes, you could bake these, but frying is much, much better. Every time I’ve baked falafel, they just turn out caked and dry, so I find the time in the oil is worth it.
For the “special” sauce, I like use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo. I’m just not really a big fan of mayo. I also love tangy greek yogurt and always find it makes for an extra delicious sauce.
Put this all together with some fresh naan (or pita, you can use whatever is most convenient for you), and you’ll have yourself a street style naan wrap. Not too hard, right? And trust me, all the effort that went into making these wraps is 120% worth it.
Every bite is so good, so full of flavor, and layered with texture. My kind of food.
You know the funny thing about these wraps? They were inspired by my oldest brother, Creighton. He loves Middle Eastern street food and has been telling me to make something like this for so long, but with chicken, not falafel.
Creighton would never eat this wrap because it’s completely vegan (minus the yogurt sauce). Maybe my next recipe will be a chicken wrap?
Hmmm, ideas are spinning…
For now, it’s all falafel and I am loving it.
If you make this falafel naan wrap, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Falafel Naan Wraps with Golden Rice and Special Sauce.
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 1273 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Golden Rice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup long grain rice
Falafel
- 1 cup chopped veggies, such as carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli
- 1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas, drained + rinsed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Use a gluten free flour, if needed
- 1/4 cup raw sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, parsley, or oregano
- kosher salt and black pepper
- canola or vegetable oil, for frying
- 6 fresh naan or pitas, warmed
- shredded lettuce, cucumbers, and harissa sauce, for serving
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated (use 2 if you love garlic)
Instructions
- 1. To make the rice. Melt the butter, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium pot over high heat. Add the rice and toss to coat. Stir in 2 cups water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely. Let the rice sit, covered, for another 15 minutes (don't take any peeks inside!). Fluff the rice with a fork. 2. To make the falafel. Add the veggies to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the chickpeas, flour, sesame seeds, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is combined and mostly smooth. Roll the dough into rounded teaspoon size balls.3. Add a few inches of oil to the bottom of a heavy pot. Heat to 375 degrees F. Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Drain onto paper towels and then sprinkle lightly with salt.4. To make the special sauce. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding 1-2 tablespoons water if needed to thin the sauce. Taste and season with salt.5. To assemble, stuff the rice into the wraps and top with lettuce, falafels, and cucumber. Drizzle the special sauce and harissa over the falafels. Enjoy!
Terrible recipe. Everything fell apart in the pan. Full – AWFUL.
Hi Katie! I am sorry to hear that! Is there anything I can help with? Or anything you could have missed in the recipe? xTieghan
I just made this tonight and it was a hit! My hubby prefers meat with dinner but he loved this meal! I used carrots as the veggie in the falafels because it’s all I had on hand. I airfried them—2 batches, 375 degrees for 15 mins. They turned out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! The rice was super simple and delicious. The sauce is yummy too! Give this one a try! Thanks for the recipes!!
Thank you so much for trying them, Chantel! I hope you continue to love my recipes! xTieghan
Oh my stars. We made this last night and it was amazing. I’m not sure how you continually come up with all of these delicious recipes, but this one is definitely a winner. It is a little time consuming (it took me just under two hours from start to finish), but we have nothing but time right now and dinner is often the highlight of the day during these times of corona! All five kids (7-16) devoured it and there were definitely no leftovers. This naan recipe was the best I’ve ever attempted. Roll it thin and then roll it one more time – the thinnest ones turned out incredible! I didn’t do the extra herbs on the naan, but it was still delicious. Thank you for all of the yumminess on your site! I’m about to meal plan for the next week and guess where I’m starting!:)
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe, Amanda!! Thank you for trying it! I hope you love all of the recipes you try from my site! xTieghan
Made this tonight and it was SO delicious and actually really simple to make. I followed to a tee with the exception of not serving with naan – only because it’s quarantine and we’ve been eating carbs on carbs around here so trying to conserve “energy” (I already made, and ate the whole batch, or your garlic butter naan). The falafel dough was one of the cleanest and easiest to work with I’ve ever tried. Thank you so much as always Tieghan!
Hi Jessica! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it!! xTieghan
This is another fantastic recipe! Yes, it does take a little bit of time to prepare but it is WORTH IT! Every dish – golden rice, falafel, special sauce – is just delicious even on its own. I especially like that the special sauce as it is not too garlicky compared to tzatziki recipes.
This was the first time I made naan myself and it turned out great. I used my griddle for the final step. We will always make homemade naan from now on – it is just sooo much better.
We have been trying out quite a few of your recipes lately and the whole family is super happy. Thank you!
Thank you Kris!! So glad this turned out so well for you! I hope you continue to love other recipes of mine! xTieghan
This!!! Omg. I made this recipe tonight for my family and everyone literally lost their mind over how perfect and delicious this recipe is. I added a slaw with cabbage, romaine, carrots & tomatoes with tahini lemon dressing AND I used fresh grated turmeric to the rice because I didn’t have any ground turmeric. powder.
The naan was epic, the falafel perfection, the secret sauce was the perfect addition, and the rice was flawless. My husband says it was in his top ten meals ever. I only set the smoke alarm off twice making the naan! (Lol)
You are a visionary.
Everyone: make this!!
Thank you so much Shelly! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Do you think brown rice would work for this recipe? Just increase the water/time? Thx
Hi Sara,
Yes, that will work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this for dinner tonight for my husband and I and we LOVED it! Everything from the golden rice (yum!) to the falafel were delicious. I originally was going to bake the falafel but I’m glad I read your note about frying them because they were the best falafel I’ve ever made. Thank you!!
Hi Susan! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Hi ! Could you used cooked veggies for this or do you only suggest raw ? I have a lot of frozen veggies to utilize !
Hi Leanne,
You could totally use cooked veggies in this. I hope you love the recipe!
Hi Tieghan, Thanks so much for the recipe. I have a question, to avoid using canned chick peas.. after soaking the garbanzo beans, do I cook them and then fry? or I can simply grind after soaking and fry?
HI there! I would recommend cooking the beans, then frying them. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
It can’t be “completely vegan” if you use butter.
This recipe was well liked by my family. The falafel was quick to fry up. The only thing we didn’t like was the special sauce, it didn’t seem to go well together.. the apple cider vinegar and honey stuck out way too much. Once in the wrap you couldn’t notice it as much but I chose to use a harissa spread instead with cucumber.
Hi Kate! I am really glad you enjoyed these wraps! If you have any questions on the sauce, please let me know! Would love to make it better for you! xTieghan
This looks delish! Do you think I I could make the falafel in an air fryer?
Hi Corinne!! I am sure the air fryer will work so well. Great idea!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Hi there. I am going to be making this in a couple of days. I have some carrots in the fridge so will use those for the falafel. What veg did you use in your recipe above and/or, do you have any favorite veg that you like to use for this?
Thanks!
Laura
Hi Laura! I use a mix of mostly carrots and cauliflower. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Truly super simple and and easy to make. Must try recipe
Yes! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan