Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delightful and nutritious meal option that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. These bowls feature roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce, making them perfect for meal prep lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Packed with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or simply satisfy your cravings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices like curry powder and paprika gives these bowls a rich and exciting flavor.
• Healthful Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and plant-based proteins, this recipe is both nutritious and filling.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Ideal for lunch or dinner, these bowls can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.
• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: Accommodating various dietary preferences, these bowls are suitable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These allow for even roasting of the cauliflower and chickpeas, ensuring they turn out crispy.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for creating a smooth Green Tahini Sauce that blends all the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve that perfect roasted texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Curry powder
2. Paprika
3. Ground cumin
4. Kosher salt
5. Black pepper

Spread the chopped cauliflower florets and chickpeas on separate baking sheets (or one large sheet if they fit). Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with half of the spice mixture. Coat the chickpeas with the remaining tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of spice mixture.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Place both baking sheets in the oven:
1. Set a timer for 30 minutes.
2. After 15 minutes, shake the pan with chickpeas to ensure even cooking.
3. Toss the cauliflower gently as well.

When time is up for the chickpeas, remove them from the oven while letting the cauliflower roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until lightly charred.

Step 4: Make Green Tahini Sauce

While vegetables roast:
1. In your blender or food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. With motor running, gradually add in about 1/3 cup warm water until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

To serve:
1. Place about ½ cup cooked rice into four bowls.
2. Evenly distribute roasted cauliflower and chickpeas over each bowl.
3. Add optional cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes as desired.
4. Drizzle generously with Green Tahini Sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber slices: Thinly sliced English or Persian cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color.

Include Extra Proteins

• Grilled chicken or turkey: For those looking to add more protein, grilled chicken or turkey pairs perfectly with the flavors of the bowl.
• Tofu or tempeh: For a plant-based option, marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh is both filling and tasty.

Top with Nuts or Seeds

• Roasted almonds: Chopped roasted almonds give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top enhances the dish’s texture and presentation.

Drizzle More Sauce

• Extra Green Tahini Sauce: A generous drizzle of the Green Tahini Sauce enhances the flavors and adds moisture.
• Spicy sauce: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Perfecting your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for outstanding results every time.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your cauliflower and chickpeas generously with spices before roasting.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, high-quality tahini, and good olive oil can make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust cooking time: Keep an eye on the cauliflower to ensure it’s roasted to your desired level of char without burning.
• Experiment with grains: Feel free to swap white basmati rice for other grains like quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the main dish beautifully.

1. Mediterranean Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, olives, red onion, and feta cheese (or vegan feta) offers a bright contrast.
2. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread serves as a perfect vessel for scooping up ingredients from the bowls.
3. Hummus Platter: Serve hummus alongside assorted veggies for dipping—a creamy addition that pairs well with the bowls.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and flavor while keeping with the Mediterranean theme.
5. Quinoa Tabbouleh: A light tabbouleh made with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat refreshes the palate with herbs and lemon zest.
6. Mint Yogurt Sauce: A cool mint yogurt sauce (or plant-based alternative) acts as a great dip that complements the spices in the bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.

• Bold seasoning – Forgetting to season your cauliflower and chickpeas properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use a generous amount of spices to enhance taste.
• Bold cooking time – Overcooking or undercooking the vegetables can ruin texture. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking times based on your oven’s performance.
• Bold rice choice – Using the wrong type of rice can alter your dish’s flavor profile. Opt for white basmati or a grain of your choice that complements the spices.
• Bold tahini sauce – Skipping or skimping on the Green Tahini Sauce will miss out on flavor. Always prepare this sauce as it ties all ingredients together beautifully.
• Bold toppings – Ignoring optional toppings like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes can make your bowls less appealing. Add fresh veggies for crunch and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep components (rice, cauliflower, chickpeas) separate to maintain texture.

Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze cauliflower and chickpeas separately from the rice.

Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls.

How do I make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls vegan?

You can ensure these bowls are vegan by using plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar if you’re thickening sauces. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.

What can I substitute for tahini?

If you don’t have tahini, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as alternatives while maintaining delicious flavors.

How do I store leftovers of Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only flavorful but also versatile! You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home. With options for customization, these bowls are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try today!