Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

If you’re looking for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare, then these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are just what you need! This recipe is one of my favorites because it brings together the warm spices of shawarma with crispy chickpeas and roasted cauliflower, creating a vibrant bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these bowls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

The best part? They come together in under an hour and can be prepped ahead of time. You’ll love the combination of flavors and textures, making each bite a delightful experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the components in advance for easy lunches throughout the week. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The spices and tahini sauce bring incredible flavor to the roasted veggies and chickpeas.
• Customizable Toppings: You can add your favorite toppings like cucumbers and tomatoes for extra freshness.
• Health-Conscious Choice: This dish is packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome option for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients are what make our Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls so special. They highlight fresh flavors while being completely vegan and gluten-free!

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 (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

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the grain: Use quinoa or farro instead of basmati rice for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Try adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Moroccan or Indian seasoning to give it a new twist.
• Top with nuts or seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch.

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. A hot oven is key to getting that lovely char on both the cauliflower and chickpeas.

Step 2: Season the Veggies

In a bowl, combine the curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Spread out your cauliflower florets on one baking sheet and your chickpeas on another. Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well. For the chickpeas, use the remaining tablespoon of oil along with 1 tablespoon of your spice mixture. Toss them until they’re nicely coated.

Step 3: Roast Everything

Place both baking sheets in the oven. Set your timer for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, give those chickpeas a shake and toss around the cauliflower. When time’s up for the chickpeas, they should be crispy; let the cauliflower roast for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Make Your Green Tahini Sauce

While everything is 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, pepper—and don’t forget to gradually add about 1/3 cup of warm water while blending until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Take four bowls and place half a cup of cooked rice in each one. Top each bowl with an even distribution of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Add your optional cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes if you like! Drizzle generously with that delicious Green Tahini Sauce.

And there you have it—your beautiful Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are ready to enjoy! Each bite is packed with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this delightful meal knowing it’s healthy too!

Pro Tips for Making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some handy tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs enhances the flavor and nutrition of your bowls. Fresh produce is more vibrant and can elevate the overall taste of the dish.

• Don’t Skip the Spice Rub: The spice mixture is key to achieving that rich, shawarma-inspired flavor. Make sure every floret of cauliflower and each chickpea is well-coated for maximum flavor.

• Experiment with Cooking Times: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cauliflower. If you prefer a little more char, feel free to leave it in longer—just be careful not to burn it!

• Customize Your Grains: While white basmati rice is delicious, feel free to substitute with quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. This versatility allows you to cater to different dietary preferences.

• Make It Ahead: These bowls are perfect for meal prep! You can roast everything in advance and store it separately in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal anytime.

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Serving up these delightful bowls is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some creative ideas to make your meal visually appealing and delicious!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley brightens up the bowl and adds a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze a little extra citrusy goodness over their bowls.
• Pomegranate Seeds: For a pop of color and sweetness, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top; they add a lovely crunch too!

Side Dishes

• Mediterranean Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil complements the flavors beautifully while adding refreshing crunch.
• Hummus: This creamy dip made from chickpeas pairs perfectly with warm pita bread or veggie sticks as a starter or side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Mix it up by adding seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers alongside your bowls for extra nutrition and variety.
• Tabbouleh: A refreshing herbed bulgur salad packed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice makes for a zesty companion that balances out the richness of the tahini sauce.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls will not only be scrumptious but also visually stunning! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep your bowls fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the Green Tahini Sauce in a separate container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the roasted ingredients cool down.
• Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes on high or until hot.
• Drizzle with extra Green Tahini Sauce before serving for added flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls.

Can I make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls without tahini?

Absolutely! If tahini is not available, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or simply omit it altogether. Your bowls will still be delicious!

What other grains can I use in my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

You can easily swap out white basmati rice for quinoa, brown rice, or even farro. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture to your bowls.

How long do Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls last in the fridge?

When stored properly in airtight containers, these bowls will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls! They’re not only packed with flavor but also offer a wonderful balance of nutrition—perfect for any meal. I encourage you to get creative with toppings and enjoy this wholesome dish as part of your routine. Happy cooking!