When it comes to quick yet wholesome meals, few things hit the spot quite like a falafel bowl. Packed with vibrant flavors, hearty textures, and nourishing ingredients, these bowls are as satisfying as they are beautiful.
At the heart of my version is a base of golden turmeric rice—fluffy grains infused with my signature Golden Turmeric Spice Blend, which transforms plain rice into a savoury, golden-hued foundation. Add falafel on top (I often grab a pre-packaged version for speed), a medley of fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, and you’ve got a bowl that feels like comfort food and a power meal all in one.
Why You’ll Love These Falafel Bowls
✔️ Flavourful and filling – the falafel adds protein and heartiness, while the golden turmeric rice brings warmth and depth.
✔️ Quick to assemble – using an Instant Pot for rice and store-bought falafel means you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – swap veggies, sauces, or grains to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
✔️ Plant-based goodness – a nutrient-dense meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
A Weeknight Dinner Worth Repeating
These Golden Turmeric Falafel Bowls are one of my go-to meals because they strike the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Whether you’re cooking rice in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, or whether you’re making falafel from scratch or grabbing a package at the store, this dish proves that nourishing meals don’t have to be complicated.
Every bite is hearty, colorful, and packed with layers of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
👉 Pro Tip: Make extra golden turmeric rice and falafel, then pack leftovers into containers for ready-to-go lunch bowls throughout the week.
World’s Best Turmeric Spiced Falafel Bowls
Equipment
- Pressure cooker optional
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp vegan butter (may also sub for extra virgin olive oil, but recommend vegan butter)
- 2 tbsp Golden Turmeric Spice Blend see Notes
- 1 cup water
Toppings
- 1 head Butter or Boston lettuce
- 1 red pepper thinly sliced
- 1 red onion diced
- 1 box falafel mix (or 10 small falafel balls prepared from scratch, see Notes)
Dressing
- ⅔ cup tahini
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning blend
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- To an Instant Pot (or other pressure cooker), add the rice, water, vegan butter and seasoning blend. Stir to mix well. Set pressure to high and cook for 4 minutes. No pressure cooker? See notes.1 cup jasmine rice, 1 tbsp vegan butter, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp Golden Turmeric Spice Blend
- Prepare your Falafel, according to package directions. Or you can make your own falafel from scratch (see Notes).1 box falafel mix
- Meanwhile, add all of the dressing ingredients into a small bowl or large measuring cup and whisk well to incorporate everything into a smooth consistency.⅔ cup tahini, ⅔ cup water, 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning blend, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt
- When the rice is done let pressure release naturally. Open and stir well, then scoop rice into serving bowls. Continue assembling your bowls by adding in the lettuce, pepper and onion. Then add the falafel balls on top and pour on the dressing, to taste. Mix everything well and enjoy!1 head Butter or Boston lettuce, 1 red onion, 1 red pepper
Notes
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