Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, you’ll absolutely love these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They are bursting with flavor, thanks to the spices coating the roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas. This dish not only looks beautiful on your dinner table but also makes for an excellent lunch option throughout the week. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these bowls are sure to become a favorite!

The best part? You can customize them to fit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these bowls shine in their simplicity and heartiness. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe!

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.
• Healthy and filling: Packed with nutritious ingredients like cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh herbs, these bowls nourish both body and soul.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch at the start of the week, and enjoy quick lunches or dinners all week long.
• Flavorful and vibrant: The zesty spices combined with the creamy Green Tahini Sauce create a mouthwatering experience.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the tasty flavors and colorful presentation of these bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather from your pantry and fridge:

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 (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 quite flexible! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Add grilled chicken or roasted tofu if you’re looking for an extra protein boost!
• Change up the grains: Try quinoa or farro instead of basmati rice for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chili flakes or harissa to kick up the heat!

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture on your cauliflower and chickpeas. In a bowl, mix together curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread out your chopped cauliflower on one baking sheet and your chickpeas on another. Toss each with olive oil—this helps them roast beautifully—and sprinkle with the spice mixture. After 15 minutes in the oven, give everything a good toss to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Tahini Sauce

While your veggies are roasting away, it’s time to whip up that creamy Green Tahini Sauce! In a blender or mini food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. As you blend these ingredients together, slowly add warm water until smooth. This sauce not only adds flavor but also creaminess to your bowls.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls

Once everything is cooked to perfection—your cauliflower should be lightly charred while your chickpeas are crispy—it’s time to assemble! Start by placing half a cup of cooked rice in each bowl. Then divide the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas evenly among them. If you’re using cucumbers or cherry tomatoes as toppings, now’s the time to add those too! Finally, drizzle that luscious Green Tahini Sauce over everything for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They are sure to bring smiles around your table.

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh spices: Fresh spices bring out the best flavors in your dish. Make sure your curry powder, paprika, and cumin are fresh for that vibrant taste!
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Giving your cauliflower and chickpeas enough space while roasting ensures they get crispy instead of steaming. This is key for that delightful crunch!
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to mix in various toppings like pickled red onions or avocados. This adds texture and flavor dimensions, making each bite exciting.
• Make it ahead: These bowls store well in the fridge for meal prep! Keep components separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a little kick, try adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix. It’s a simple way to customize the heat level to your liking.

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative ideas:

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional cilantro or parsley brightens up the dish and enhances those fresh flavors.
• Lemon wedges: Adding a wedge of lemon on the side allows everyone to squeeze fresh juice over their bowl for an extra zest.
• Toasted sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds flavor but also a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A refreshing combination of chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta (or a plant-based alternative) dressed in olive oil and lemon juice complements the shawarma bowls beautifully.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and a touch of cinnamon provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the bowls.
• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This herbaceous salad made with quinoa instead of bulgur offers a nutritious twist that pairs nicely with the spices in your dish.
• Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served alongside crispy pita chips makes for an excellent appetizer before diving into your shawarma bowls.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store and save your delicious bowls.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftovers in airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the Green Tahini Sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Allow the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.
• If using frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

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

Can I make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bowls are great for meal prep and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store everything separately until you’re ready to eat!

What can I substitute for tahini in Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

If you don’t have tahini on hand, try using sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both will provide a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa.

How do I customize my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, legumes, or grains! Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled zucchini would be fantastic additions.

Can I use other spices instead of curry powder?

Certainly! While curry powder adds a unique flavor profile, you can experiment with your favorite spice blends like garam masala or even a simple mix of cumin and coriander.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your table! The combination of crispy chickpeas, roasted cauliflower, and zesty Green Tahini Sauce makes these bowls not just delicious but also nourishing. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations—I’d love to hear how they turned out!