Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a delicious and nourishing meal that tickles your taste buds, you’ve come to the right place! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only packed with flavor but also come together easily. I love how the crispy chickpeas and roasted cauliflower create a satisfying base that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these bowls will make everyone feel happy and satisfied.

The best part? You can whip them up in no time, making them an ideal choice for meal prep too! Trust me; once you taste that creamy Green Tahini Sauce drizzled over everything, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, this recipe fits perfectly into even the busiest schedules.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices creates a warm, aromatic experience that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer different grains or extra veggies, these bowls allow you to get creative with your ingredients.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with veggies and plant-based protein, these bowls will leave you feeling great without sacrificing taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch at the start of the week, and enjoy tasty lunches all week long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients makes cooking so much more enjoyable! For these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you’ll need:

For the Roasted Veggies

• 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 things I love about these bowls is how flexible they are. You can easily adjust them to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand!

• Swap the protein: Try adding lentils or tofu for a different source of plant-based protein!
• Change up the veggies: Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
• Mix up the grains: Quinoa or farro would be fantastic substitutes for basmati rice.
• Add some crunch: Sprinkle on some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture!

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This helps achieve that perfect roast on your cauliflower and chickpeas.

Step 2: Prepare Your Spice Mix

In a bowl, combine curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spice mix adds depth to both the cauliflower and chickpeas.

Step 3: Toss Your Veggies

Spread the cauliflower florets and chickpeas out on two separate rimmed baking sheets (or one if you have enough space). Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season it with half of your spice mix. Coat the chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. This step ensures every bite is flavorful!

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

Place both baking sheets in the oven for about 30 minutes. At around 15 minutes in, give those chickpeas a shake and toss the cauliflower again. Once done, remove the chickpeas when they’re golden brown—let the cauliflower go an extra 5-10 minutes until it’s beautifully charred.

Step 5: Make Your Green Tahini Sauce

While everything roasts away in the oven, blend together cilantro, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and gradually add warm water until smooth. This sauce ties everything together beautifully!

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Place half a cup of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with equal portions of roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas. If you’re using cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes as toppings—add those now! Drizzle generously with that luscious Green Tahini Sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating these delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you!

• Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower. The better the quality, the more flavorful and tender your roasted florets will be.

• Get Extra Crispy Chickpeas: Make sure your chickpeas are thoroughly dried before roasting. This ensures they get that delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender cauliflower.

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne can give your dish an extra kick or try experimenting with additional spices like coriander for a unique twist.

• Meal Prep Friendly: If you’re making these bowls for meal prep, keep the tahini sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess in the bowls.

• Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip on the fresh herbs! They add a burst of flavor and brightness that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

These colorful and vibrant bowls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful meal option for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Add some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for crunch and richness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the flavors beautifully while adding healthy fats.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the dish and enhances all the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley dressed in lemon vinaigrette that pairs well with the bowls.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances out the spices in your shawarma bowls and adds an extra layer of flavor.

• Hummus and Veggies: Serve with a side of hummus and crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for dipping. It makes for a great contrast of textures.

• Pita Bread or Flatbreads: Soft pita or flatbreads are perfect for scooping up all those delicious ingredients—and they make every bite even more enjoyable!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls will shine at any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily prepare the components in advance and assemble your bowls whenever you need a nutritious and delicious meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover roasted cauliflower and chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the Green Tahini Sauce in a separate container, where it will stay fresh for about a week.
• Cooked rice can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• You can freeze the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Just let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• The Green Tahini Sauce can be frozen as well—pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a bag for easy portions.

Reheating

• To reheat the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
• For the rice, microwave with a splash of water or broth until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Thaw the Green Tahini Sauce overnight in the refrigerator before using it again; give it a good stir if it separates.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls that might help you enjoy this recipe even more!

Can I use other vegetables in my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cauliflower for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly.

How do I make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure that any substitutes you choose for grains are certified gluten-free, like quinoa or gluten-free rice.

What can I use instead of tahini for the sauce?

If you’re looking for an alternative to tahini, you can try using sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a creamy base. Adjust the flavors as desired!

How can I spice up my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

You can add your favorite toppings like avocado slices, pickled onions, or sliced radishes for extra flavor and crunch. Spicy harissa paste is also a great addition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! Not only are they bursting with flavor and nutrients, but they also make meal prep easy and fun. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations—you may just create your own favorite version. Happy cooking!