Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a favorite in my home, bursting with flavors and textures that keep everyone coming back for more. With crispy chickpeas, tender roasted cauliflower, and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce drizzled on top, these bowls are perfect for busy weeknights or even casual family gatherings.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on what you have in your pantry or personal preferences. Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs. Trust me; once you try these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, they’ll become a staple in your meal prep routine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for any night of the week.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices gives the cauliflower and chickpeas an irresistible taste that will delight your taste buds.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, so you can whip up a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Vegetable Rich: Packed with nutritious veggies, this dish is not only good for you but also incredibly satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up ingredients or toppings based on your mood or what’s in season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is a breeze thanks to simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we get started:

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 bowls is how flexible they are! You can easily mix things up to suit your taste. Here are some variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Add grilled chicken or roasted tofu if you want some extra protein.
• Change the grain: Use quinoa, farro, or even riced cauliflower as a base instead of rice.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over your bowls before serving.

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting vegetables because it helps them become crispy while still being tender. In a bowl, combine curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Spread out the cauliflower florets and chickpeas on two separate baking sheets (or one large one). Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the chickpeas with the remaining tablespoon. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of spice mixture over the chickpeas and toss well. Then sprinkle the rest over the cauliflower.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Place both baking sheets in the oven and set your timer for 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking (at 15 minutes), give everything a good shake or toss to ensure even roasting. The chickpeas will be done when they’re golden brown and crispy. Let the cauliflower roast an additional 5–10 minutes until it’s lightly charred at the tips—this adds so much flavor!

Step 3: Blend Your Sauce

While your veggies are roasting away, let’s make that creamy Green Tahini Sauce! In a blender or mini food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. With the motor running, stream in ⅓ cup warm water until smooth. This sauce not only enhances flavors but also adds a lovely creaminess to your bowls.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Grab four bowls and place ½ cup of cooked rice in each one. Divide the roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas evenly among them. If you like extra freshness (and who doesn’t?), add cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes on top. Finally, drizzle that luscious Green Tahini Sauce over everything.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! Whether it’s lunch prep or dinner with friends—these bowls promise comfort in every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is easier than you think! Here are some tips to elevate your dish and ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dishes. They have a more potent aroma and taste compared to pre-ground versions, giving your cauliflower and chickpeas an incredible depth of flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spacing out your cauliflower and chickpeas on the baking sheet allows them to roast evenly. This prevents steaming and ensures you achieve that desired crispiness.

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to customize your bowls! Toppings like avocado slices, pickled red onions, or even a sprinkle of sunflower seeds can add extra texture and flavor, making each bowl uniquely yours.

• Meal prep ahead: If you’re short on time during the week, prepare the components in advance. Roast the cauliflower and chickpeas, cook the rice, and whip up the Green Tahini Sauce ahead of time for easy assembly.

• Adjust spice levels to taste: If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Tailoring spice levels to your preference ensures everyone enjoys this delicious meal!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can be just as fun as making them! The vibrant colors and textures invite creativity, making mealtime feel special.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some additional cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will brighten up all the flavors in the bowl.
• Pine nuts or sesame seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy tahini sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs tossed in a light vinaigrette. This side offers great texture and complements the warm spices in your main dish.

• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned with olive oil and herbs provide color and a different texture alongside your bowls.

• Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips makes for an excellent appetizer. It’s perfect for dipping while waiting for your main course!

• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: A cool salad made from cucumbers mixed with dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based), garlic, and dill. It’s light and tangy – a lovely contrast to warm roasted flavors!

Now you’re all set to create stunning Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are perfect for meal prep! They store well in the fridge, making them an ideal choice for busy weeks. You can easily assemble the bowls ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bowls to cool completely before storing.
• Place individual servings in airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion out the roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and rice into freezer-safe containers.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container for expansion.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls.

Can I make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bowls are great for meal prep. You can roast the cauliflower and chickpeas in advance and store them separately from the rice and sauce until you’re ready to assemble.

What toppings can I add to my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Feel free to customize your bowls with additional toppings! Consider adding sliced avocado, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of your favorite nuts or seeds for added texture.

How do I make the Green Tahini Sauce?

The Green Tahini Sauce is super easy! Just blend tahini with fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of water until smooth. It adds a delicious creaminess that complements the roasted veggies perfectly!

Can I use other grains instead of basmati rice?

Yes! You can substitute basmati rice with quinoa, farro, or any grain of your choice. Just ensure you adjust cooking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They are not only packed with flavor but also offer a healthy and satisfying meal option. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or looking for an easy dinner idea, these bowls will surely impress. Enjoy making them and share your creations with friends and family!