Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delightful and nutritious meal option that brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table. These bowls, featuring roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, are perfect for lunch meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. The unique combination of spices and the creamy Green Tahini Sauce make this dish stand out, while also being vegan and gluten-free. Enjoy these bowls on any occasion, as they are both satisfying and healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices gives the cauliflower and chickpeas a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete feast.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
• Packed with Nutrients: Cauliflower and chickpeas provide essential vitamins and minerals while keeping calories in check.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, gather the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process. Having the right equipment can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or food processor
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Ideal for roasting vegetables evenly to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for creating a smooth Green Tahini Sauce that complements the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

Spices for Roasting

• 1 Tbsp. curry powder
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Main Components

• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
• 2 cups cooked white basmati rice (or grain of choice)

Optional Toppings

• Thinly sliced English or Persian cucumber
• 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

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your vegetables roast perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine the curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spice mixture will bring out incredible flavors in both the cauliflower and chickpeas.

Step 3: Roast Cauliflower and Chickpeas

1. Spread the chopped cauliflower on one baking sheet.
2. Place the chickpeas on another baking sheet.
3. Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. For the chickpeas, coat them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture over them and toss to coat well.
5. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the cauliflower and toss again.
6. Bake both sheets in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. At 15 minutes in, shake the pan with chickpeas and stir the cauliflower.
7. Remove chickpeas when golden brown; let cauliflower roast for an additional 5–10 minutes until lightly charred on top.

Step 4: Make Green Tahini Sauce

While your veggies roast:
1. In a blender or mini food processor, add cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper.
2. With the motor running, slowly stream in 1/3 cup warm water until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

In four bowls:
1. Place ½ cup cooked rice as a base.
2. Evenly distribute roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas over each bowl.
3. Add cucumber slices or halved cherry tomatoes if desired.
4. Drizzle with Green Tahini Sauce before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Thinly sliced cucumbers – Their crunch adds a refreshing contrast.
• Halved cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they complement the roasted flavors perfectly.

Include Extra Protein

• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado enhances the dish’s richness and provides healthy fats.
• Grilled chicken – For those who prefer meat, grilled chicken can add a satisfying protein boost.

Top with Crunchy Elements

• Toasted pumpkin seeds – These add a delightful crunch and additional nutrients.
• Crushed nuts – Almonds or walnuts provide texture and a nutty flavor that complements the tahini sauce.

Drizzle with Flavorful Sauces

• Spicy yogurt sauce – A drizzle of this sauce can add a zesty kick to the dish.
• Hummus – Spread some hummus on the base for added creaminess and flavor.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

To achieve the most delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices – Opt for freshly ground spices for better flavor intensity in your seasoning mix.
• Roast at high heat – Cooking at 425°F ensures that both cauliflower and chickpeas become crispy and flavorful.
• Evenly coat ingredients – Ensure even distribution of oil and spices for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Experiment with grains – Swap out basmati rice for quinoa or couscous for different textures and tastes.
• Add herbs last – Toss fresh herbs over the bowls just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Lemon Rice – A fragrant rice dish infused with garlic and lemon that complements the shawarma flavors beautifully.
2. Mediterranean Salad – A refreshing mix of greens, olives, and feta cheese that offers a bright contrast to the warm bowls.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide extra nutrients and texture.
4. Cucumber Mint Salad – This light salad is perfect for cutting through the richness of tahini sauce with its crispness.
5. Chickpea Salad – A protein-packed salad featuring chickpeas, tomatoes, and parsley adds more fiber to your meal.
6. Pita Bread – Soft pita can be used to scoop up components from the bowl, making it an enjoyable addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using wet chickpeas: Make sure to rinse, drain, and pat dry your chickpeas. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy in the oven.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Spread the cauliflower and chickpeas out evenly on separate sheets. This allows for better roasting and ensures they get crispy instead of steaming.
• Skipping the spice coating: Don’t skip tossing your cauliflower and chickpeas in spices. This step adds essential flavors that enhance the dish’s taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on both the cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven. Start checking at 15 minutes to avoid burning or undercooking.
• Not blending the tahini sauce enough: Make sure to blend the Green Tahini Sauce until smooth. Adding warm water gradually helps achieve the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep rice separate from roasted vegetables for best texture.

Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Freeze components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags for easy storage of individual portions.

Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a vibrant dish featuring roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas served over rice, topped with a flavorful Green Tahini Sauce.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize your bowls by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa.

How can I make it spicier?

To add more heat, consider including cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers in your spice mix before roasting the cauliflower and chickpeas.

Final Thoughts

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make them perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!