Baked Mini Falafel Bites with Yogurt Dip

These falafel bites are baked instead of fried and shaped small, so they turn out lightly crisp on the outside and soft in the middle without needing a deep fryer. Chickpeas, parsley, garlic and mild cumin and coriander form the base, and a quick cucumber-yogurt dip on the side cools everything down.

Falafel can sometimes lean heavily spiced, so this version keeps the seasoning gentle and familiar, which is what earns it a genuine kids/teen-friendly place at the table — the flavor is savory and herby rather than sharp. Built on chickpeas, this is a vegetarian dish with plenty of fiber from the beans themselves, and the bite-sized shape makes it easy for smaller hands to eat as finger food.

Serve them tucked into a mini pita with extra cucumber and tomato, or just on their own with the dip for a quick snack after school.