Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delightful mix of roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, all drizzled with a creamy Green Tahini Sauce. This recipe is one of my favorites because it packs a punch of spices while being entirely vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for those busy weeknights or even family gatherings, these bowls are sure to please everyone at the table.

The beauty of these bowls lies not only in their flavor but also in their simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a nutritious meal that feels indulgent without any guilt. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you’ll be using some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty dish:

For the Roasted Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. curry powder
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 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 (or grain of choice)
• Optional toppings: thinly sliced English or Persian cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes

For the Green Tahini Sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the grain: Use quinoa or farro instead of basmati rice for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in other roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Try a yogurt-based sauce if you’re not strictly vegan; it’s another great way to enjoy these flavors!
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick!

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help achieve that perfect roast on both the cauliflower and chickpeas.

Step 2: Spice It Up

In a small bowl, combine the curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spice mix is what gives our bowls that signature shawarma flavor! Spread out the chopped cauliflower florets and drained chickpeas on two separate baking sheets. Drizzle the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss until coated. For the chickpeas, use the remaining tablespoon of oil along with 1 tablespoon of your spice mix—toss them well to coat.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Place both baking sheets in the oven for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, give the chickpeas a shake and toss the cauliflower to ensure even roasting. The goal is crispy chickpeas and lightly charred cauliflower that taste divine!

Step 4: Make Your Green Tahini Sauce

While everything roasts away happily in the oven, let’s whip up that luscious Green Tahini Sauce! In a blender or mini food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. As you blend this together, slowly pour in about 1/3 cup of warm water until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Grab four bowls and place half a cup of cooked rice in each one. Divide the roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas evenly over the rice. If you’d like some extra freshness, add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes as toppings. Finally, drizzle that heavenly Green Tahini Sauce over everything!

And there you have it—your very own Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! Enjoy every bite of this nutritious meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish comes out delicious every time.

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices have a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground. This can elevate the entire dish, making the flavors pop!

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets – Spacing out the cauliflower and chickpeas allows them to roast evenly and get that lovely crispy texture we all crave.

• Experiment with grains – While white basmati rice is fantastic, feel free to substitute quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a different taste and texture.

• Customize your toppings – Adding optional garnishes like avocado or pickled red onions can provide extra flavor and visual appeal, making each bowl uniquely yours.

• Make it ahead – The roasted components can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes meal prep a breeze for busy weekdays!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving up your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to present this beautiful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
• Sliced radishes: Add thinly sliced radishes for a crunchy texture and peppery flavor.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra splash of citrus right before eating.

Side Dishes

• Hummus: Creamy hummus pairs beautifully with these bowls, providing a smooth contrast and additional protein.
• Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing tabbouleh made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, and mint offers a bright complement to the savory flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition while keeping the meal plant-based.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up the bowls’ contents or enjoying with extra tahini sauce.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are sure to be a hit at any table! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it a breeze to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover roasted cauliflower and chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Keep the Green Tahini Sauce separate in a small jar or container to maintain its freshness.
• Reheat the cauliflower and chickpeas before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen.
• The Green Tahini Sauce can also be frozen; just make sure to leave some space in the container as it may expand.

Reheating

• To reheat from the fridge, simply warm up the cauliflower and chickpeas in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
• If reheating from frozen, bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help clarify your cooking experience with Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls.

Can I use other vegetables besides cauliflower in my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added variety and texture.

How can I make these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls spicier?

To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in your spice mix. You could also serve with sliced jalapeños as a topping!

What can I substitute for tahini in the Green Tahini Sauce?

If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a creamy alternative without compromising too much on flavor.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses basmati rice and no gluten-containing ingredients. Ensure that any toppings are also gluten-free if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Final Thoughts

These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not just a feast for your taste buds; they’re also a colorful addition to your meal prep routine. Packed with flavor and nutrients, they’re sure to become a favorite quick dinner option or satisfying lunch throughout your busy week. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and variations—there’s always room for personalization. Happy cooking!