Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delicious and healthy option for any occasion. These bowls feature roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, bringing vibrant flavors together in a single dish. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional shawarma by using cauliflower as the star ingredient. The creamy Green Tahini Sauce elevates the dish, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices on the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas provides an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: You can customize your bowls with different grains or toppings, ensuring something for everyone’s taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with veggies and plant-based protein, these bowls are not only tasty but also good for you.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week—these bowls stay fresh and delicious!
Tools and Preparation
To create your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Essential for roasting the cauliflower and chickpeas evenly, allowing them to get crispy.
- Blender or food processor: Necessary for making the smooth Green Tahini Sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients before cooking, ensuring everything is flavored well.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls with crispy chickpeas and Green Tahini Sauce. These vegan and gluten free bowls are perfect for meal prep lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
Spices
- 1 Tbsp. curry powder
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
For Roasting
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked white basmati rice (sub grain of choice)
- Optional toppings: thinly sliced English or Persian cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
For Green Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting vegetables to achieve that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower and Chickpeas
- In a bowl, combine curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the chopped cauliflower florets on one baking sheet.
- Place the chickpeas on another baking sheet (or combine if space permits).
- Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until well coated.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the chickpeas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of spice mixture onto chickpeas; toss to coat well.
- Sprinkle remaining spice mixture over cauliflower; toss again.
Step 3: Roast in the Oven
Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven. Set a timer for 30 minutes:
– After 15 minutes, shake the pan of chickpeas gently.
– Toss the cauliflower to ensure even roasting.
– When done, remove chickpeas from oven; let cauliflower roast an additional 5 to 10 minutes until lightly charred.
Step 4: Make Green Tahini Sauce
While your vegetables roast:
1. In a blender or mini food processor, add tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and water.
2. Blend until smooth; adjust consistency with more water if needed.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
In four serving bowls:
– Place ½ cup cooked rice in each bowl.
– Divide roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas evenly among them.
– Add cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes if desired.
– Drizzle generously with Green Tahini Sauce before serving.
Enjoy your vibrant Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls!
How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will enhance your meal.
Add Fresh Greens
- Spinach or Kale: Incorporate a handful of fresh spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
- Mixed Greens: A bed of mixed greens adds a crunchy texture and freshness to your bowl.
Include Pickled Vegetables
- Pickled Red Onions: Their tangy flavor pairs well with the warm spices in the bowls.
- Pickled Cucumbers: These add a refreshing crunch that complements the roasted veggies nicely.
Top with Nuts or Seeds
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a rich, buttery flavor and added crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds enhances the tahini sauce’s nuttiness.
Serve with Pita Bread
- Warm Pita: Serve warm pita on the side for dipping into the Green Tahini Sauce, adding another layer of flavor.
- Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips can be a delightful accompaniment for scooping up the ingredients.
How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls takes just a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to make these bowls even better.
- Use Fresh Spices: Always use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Old spices lose their potency and won’t give you that vibrant taste.
- Roast at High Heat: Roasting at 425°F ensures crispy cauliflower and chickpeas. This brings out their natural sweetness while adding texture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chickpeas; they may cook faster than cauliflower. Remove them when they’re golden brown for optimal crunchiness.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like olives or avocado to personalize your bowls further.
Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Pairing side dishes with your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas that complements the flavors in your bowls perfectly.
- Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh salad made from parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds a light touch.
- Roasted Eggplant: Smoky roasted eggplant provides a unique flavor that pairs well with the shawarma spices.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A hearty salad with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese offers a protein boost.
- Fattoush Salad: A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens and crispy pita chips dressed in tangy sumac enhances freshness.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini is a simple yet delicious side that adds variety to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your cauliflower and chickpeas adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always coat them well with the spice mixture for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: If you crowd your vegetables, they will steam instead of roast. Make sure to give them enough space on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to 425°F before placing your ingredients inside for crispy results.
- Ignoring the texture: If you want crispy chickpeas, ensure they are completely dry before roasting. Pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Using cold tahini sauce: Cold sauce can dull flavors. Make sure your Green Tahini Sauce is at room temperature for a delightful drizzle over your bowls.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
- Portion out bowls into freezer-safe containers.
- Use within 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat with a splash of water for about 5-7 minutes until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?
Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are hearty vegan meals featuring roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and a flavorful Green Tahini Sauce, served over rice.
Can I customize my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?
Absolutely! You can add different grains or toppings like avocado, pickled onions, or any veggies you love.
Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and does not contain any gluten ingredients.
How do I make these bowls ahead of time?
You can prepare all components separately and store them in containers. Assemble your bowls just before serving for freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. They are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or grains for an even more personalized dish!
Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, a delightful vegan dish that combines roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms the traditional shawarma experience by highlighting cauliflower as the star ingredient. Each bowl is packed with nutrients and can be easily customized with your favorite grains and toppings, ensuring a deliciously satisfying meal for everyone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cooked white basmati rice (or grain of choice)
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For Green Tahini Sauce: 1/4 cup tahini, 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp minced fresh garlic, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix spices. Toss cauliflower florets with 2 Tbsp olive oil and half the spice mixture. On another baking sheet, toss chickpeas with 1 Tbsp olive oil and remaining spices.
- Roast both sheets in the oven for 30 minutes; shake chickpeas halfway through. Remove when crispy.
- Meanwhile, blend tahini sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Assemble bowls with rice, roasted vegetables, and drizzle with tahini sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 569mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
