# Spicy Falafel Bites These Bite-Sized Falafels are Made from Cauliflower Instead of Chickpeas By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-12-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-falafel References: [thekitchn](http://www.thekitchn.com/this-cauliflower-falafel-with-beet-dip-is-a-total-win-226205) & [cookrepublic](http://www.cookrepublic.com/spicy-cauliflower-falafel-with-beetroot-dip-vegan/) The 'Cook Republic' blog recently published a recipe for spicy falafel bites made from cauliflower instead of chickpeas. Falafels are vegetarian patties commonly enjoyed in the Middle East. The [bite-sized patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosh-veg-bites) are usually made from ground chickpeas, fava beans or a combination of both. This recipe puts a unique spin on the popular dish by substituting cauliflower and butter beans for chickpeas. To make the spicy falafel bites, all that's required is pulsing the cauliflower in a food processor with butter beans, almond meal and piquant spices. The patties are then fried until golden brown, which gives them a delightfully crunchy texture. The recipe even includes instructions for making a healthy beetroot dip to serve alongside the falafels. This vegan-friendly recipe could serve as a perfect appetizer for any upcoming holiday parties you may have. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cauliflower-based Recipes:** Creating new and inventive recipes that use cauliflower as a substitute for traditional ingredients. - **Vegetarian and Vegan Appetizers:** Developing plant-based appetizers that cater to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options. - **Alternative Protein Sources:** Exploring alternative sources of protein, such as cauliflower and butter beans, to diversify food options and cater to various dietary preferences. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can experiment with new recipes and techniques to create innovative cauliflower-based dishes. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can promote the benefits of plant-based diets and develop products that cater to vegetarians and vegans. - **Alternative Protein:** The alternative protein industry can research and develop new methods of using vegetables and legumes as protein sources in various food products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Meat-Free Butternut Snacking Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauldron-butternut-red-chilli-bites.md) - [Fiery Jalapeño-Infused Falafels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-spicy-falafel.md) - [Griddle-Finished Baked Falafels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/griddlefinished-baked-falafel.md) - [Cauliflower-Breaded Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-natural-chicken-bites.md) - [Nutritious Free-From Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caulitos.md) - [Globally Inspired Protein Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fy-bites.md) - [Fiery Fungi-Based Snack Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-indian-fy-bites.md) - [Delicious Mediterranean Recipe Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mediterranean-recipe.md) - [Meat-Free Cauliflower Sliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daves-not-chicken-cauliflower-sliders.md)