Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a delightful and colorful meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. With crispy chickpeas, roasted cauliflower, and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even casual family gatherings. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm straight from the oven, or pack it as a meal prep lunch for those hectic days. Trust me; once you try these bowls, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices in the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas creates a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead of time and store in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or grains to make it uniquely yours!
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients, these bowls are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking fun! For these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you will need:

For the Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas

• 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

One of the best things about these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have available or what suits your taste.

• Swap the grain: Use quinoa, farro, or even lettuce wraps instead of rice for a different base.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini while roasting to amp up the nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Try a spicy harissa sauce or a yogurt-based dressing if you’re looking for something different.
• Top with nuts or seeds: Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch!

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. A hot oven will give your cauliflower that lovely charred finish while keeping the chickpeas crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices

In a bowl, combine curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is what makes your bowls pop with flavor!

Step 3: Roast the Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Spread the cauliflower florets and chickpeas out on two separate rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle them with olive oil—this helps them roast evenly. Now sprinkle one tablespoon of the spice mixture over the chickpeas and toss them well to coat. The remaining spice mixture goes over the cauliflower. Place both sheets in the oven for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, give everything a toss to ensure even roasting.

Step 4: Make the Green Tahini Sauce

While your veggies roast away, it’s time to whip up that delectable Green Tahini Sauce! In a blender or mini food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. As you blend everything together, slowly stream in warm water until smooth. This sauce adds creaminess and brightness to your bowls!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

To assemble each bowl, place half a cup of cooked rice as your base. Top it off with generous portions of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. If you’d like some crunch and freshness, add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes on top. Finally, don’t forget to drizzle that luscious Green Tahini Sauce over everything!

And there you have it: vibrant Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls that are sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll have a dish that’s not just tasty but also visually appealing!

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices have more flavor than those that have been sitting in your pantry for months. This will enhance the taste of your cauliflower and chickpeas, making your dish truly aromatic.

• Don’t Rush the Roasting: Make sure to roast the cauliflower until it’s lightly charred. This adds a depth of flavor and makes the texture wonderfully crispy, giving your bowls that extra oomph!

• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you have at home. Adding avocado, radishes, or pickled onions can elevate the dish and cater to your personal taste.

• Make Extra Green Tahini Sauce: This sauce is not only delicious but also versatile! You can use it as a salad dressing or dip for veggie sticks throughout the week.

• Meal Prep for Convenience: Prepare components ahead of time—roast your veggies, cook your rice, and store them separately in the fridge. Assembling bowls becomes a breeze on busy nights!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is an opportunity to get creative! A well-presented bowl not only looks inviting but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness, complementing the flavors beautifully.
• Zest of Lemon: A touch of lemon zest on top brightens up the dish with an added zing that pairs perfectly with tahini sauce.

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad combines quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette. It’s packed with nutrients and complements the main dish wonderfully.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs provides another layer of flavor. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for vibrant colors!
• Hummus: Serve alongside pita bread or veggie sticks for dipping. The creamy texture of hummus balances well with the crunchiness of the chickpeas.
• Tabbouleh Salad: A traditional Levantine salad made with parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and mint. It’s fresh and adds a nice contrast to the warm ingredients in your bowls.

With these tips on serving and garnishing, your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls will be an absolute hit at any meal! Enjoy crafting this nutritious delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are perfect for meal prep! They save well and can be made in advance, giving you a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bowls to cool completely before storing.
• Divide the components (roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, rice, and sauce) into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas separately from the rice and sauce.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave until hot, making sure to cover the bowl to prevent drying out.

FAQs

If you’re curious about Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls or have specific questions, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use other vegetables in Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize these bowls with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Just roast them alongside the cauliflower for added flavor.

How can I make my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls spicier?

To spice things up, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix before tossing it with the cauliflower. You can also drizzle sriracha or your favorite hot sauce over the finished bowls.

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

If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that this may alter the taste slightly.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These bowls are perfect for meal prep since they store well in individual portions and maintain their flavor throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your kitchen! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients that make every bite worthwhile. Whether you’re enjoying them for lunch or dinner, I trust you’ll find them as delightful as I do. Enjoy making this dish—it’s truly a celebration of wholesome ingredients! Happy cooking!