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Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe - A closeup image on the finished copycat dish.
Antonio Morelli

Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe

A copycat Starbucks-inspired pocket stuffed with crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a spicy yogurt-tahini sauce. A wholesome, Mediterranean-style grab-and-go meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Starbucks-Inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel:
  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, rinsed & drained)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley (loosely packed)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ medium onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for frying, or spray for baking/air frying)
For the Spicy Yogurt-Tahini Sauce:
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (Sriracha or similar)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
For Assembly:
  • 4 pita breads (or flatbreads/wraps)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced or diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Frying pan/air fryer
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Method
 

  1. Blend chickpeas, herbs, garlic, onion, flour, baking powder, and spices into a coarse mixture.
  2. Rest the falafel mixture for about 10 minutes.
  3. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
  4. Cook falafel: either fry in olive oil, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Prepare sauce: whisk yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt until creamy.
  6. Slice lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion for filling.
  7. Warm pita bread in a skillet or oven for 1–2 minutes.
  8. Assemble: spread sauce inside pita, add veggies, place falafel, drizzle more sauce, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use canned chickpeas for convenience.
  • Make falafel ahead and freeze.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more chili or hot sauce.
  • Serve with tzatziki, hummus, or harissa for extra flavor.