Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a comforting and vibrant meal that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Packed with roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and drizzled with a creamy Green Tahini Sauce, they hit all the right notes of flavor and nutrition. Plus, they’re vegan and gluten-free, making them perfect for everyone at your table.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a meal prep Sunday, these bowls are versatile enough for any occasion. They make great leftovers too, allowing you to enjoy this deliciousness all week long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: The flavors are appealing to both kids and adults, making it a hit for family dinners.
• Perfect for meal prep: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them ideal for quick lunches during the week.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s hard to resist.
• Nutritious goodness: Packed with veggies and plant-based proteins, this recipe is as healthy as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one adds its own unique touch to this vibrant dish. Here’s what you’ll gather:

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 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 (sub 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! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or adapt it to your taste preferences.

• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrients.
• Change the grain: Swap out basmati rice for quinoa or couscous for an interesting twist.
• Boost the protein: Add grilled tofu or tempeh on top for an extra protein punch.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy a kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over your finished bowls.

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that your cauliflower gets beautifully roasted with crispy edges while keeping that tender center.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix

In a bowl, mix together the curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend brings warmth and depth to your dish—trust me; it’s what makes these bowls so special!

Step 3: Roast the Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Spread your chopped cauliflower florets on one baking sheet and chickpeas on another (or use one large sheet if space allows). Drizzle olive oil over both veggies—this helps them roast evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture over them; toss well to coat everything nicely. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until everything is golden brown—don’t forget to shake up the chickpeas halfway through!

Step 4: Make the Green Tahini Sauce

While your veggies roast away, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and warm water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth! This sauce adds creaminess without any dairy—perfectly balanced!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Once everything is roasted to perfection (your kitchen will smell amazing!), it’s time to build those beautiful bowls! Start with half a cup of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with an even distribution of roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas. If you like some freshness, add cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes on top. Finally, drizzle that luscious Green Tahini Sauce over everything.

And there you have it—wonderful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls that are sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is a breeze with the right tips! Here are some expert suggestions to help you achieve the best results.

• Choose the right cauliflower: Look for a head of cauliflower that is firm and free of blemishes. Fresh cauliflower not only tastes better but also has a pleasing texture when roasted.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets: Spacing out the cauliflower and chickpeas allows them to roast evenly and become crispy. If they’re too close together, they may steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy dish.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some smoked paprika for depth can really elevate your dish!

• Make extra Green Tahini Sauce: This versatile sauce is great on salads, grain bowls, or as a dip for veggies. Making a little extra ensures you have plenty to drizzle on everything!

• Prep ahead: To save time during busy weekdays, prepare your spices and chop your vegetables ahead of time. You can even roast the cauliflower and chickpeas in advance; just reheat before serving!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can turn this simple meal into an impressive feast! Here are some ideas to enhance presentation and flavor.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for an aromatic touch.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hummus: A creamy hummus pairs perfectly with these bowls and adds extra protein. Enjoy it as a dip with pita chips or veggie sticks.
• Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat (or quinoa), and lemon juice complements the flavors of shawarma nicely.
• Roasted vegetables: Consider roasting seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots alongside your main dish for added color and nutrition.
• Pita bread: Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up all those delicious ingredients from your bowl—plus, who doesn’t love a good pita?

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and tasty Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious, healthy meals ready to go during the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• For long-term storage, freeze cauliflower and chickpeas separately from rice and toppings.
• Place cooled cauliflower and chickpeas in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Rice can also be frozen using the same method.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat roasted cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave rice until hot, then combine with reheated vegetables and drizzle with Green Tahini Sauce.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls that might help you!

Can I use other vegetables in my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. Just remember to adjust cooking times as necessary!

How do I make my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy cauliflower and chickpeas, ensure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet without overcrowding. A higher oven temperature also helps!

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

Yes! These bowls are naturally gluten-free since they use basmati rice and no gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I customize my Green Tahini Sauce?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like dill or mint for a different flavor profile!

What is a good substitute for tahini in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a tahini substitute, you could use sunflower seed butter or even almond butter if you’re not allergic.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating these delightful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, they will surely brighten your day. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!