Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful meal that perfectly blends Middle Eastern spices with wholesome ingredients. This dish features roasted spiced cauliflower and crispy chickpeas served over fragrant basmati rice, complemented by a creamy, herbaceous tahini sauce. The combination of curry powder, paprika, and cumin brings warm, smoky notes that coat the cauliflower perfectly, creating a satisfying plant-based main or side dish.

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and fiber from the cauliflower and chickpeas. The green tahini sauce, made with fresh cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic, adds a bright, tangy contrast that elevates every bite. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner, these bowls are easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls offer a fantastic way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors in a wholesome, vibrant, and colorful bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor

The blend of curry, paprika, and cumin delivers a deliciously aromatic taste.

2. Healthy and Nutrient-Dense

Cauliflower and chickpeas provide fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.

3. Versatile and Customizable

Add your favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, or fresh herbs.

4. Easy to Make

Minimal ingredients and simple roasting steps make this recipe accessible.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

These bowls store well and reheat beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

• Curry powder
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Cauliflower florets
• Chickpeas (rinsed, drained, and dried)
• Cooked white basmati rice (or grain of choice)
• Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes

For the Green Tahini Sauce

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Fresh parsley leaves
• Tahini (sesame seed paste)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced fresh garlic
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Variations

Add Protein

Include grilled chicken, lamb, or tofu to make it more filling.

Swap the Grain

Try quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for different textures.

Spice it Up

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix.

Vegan/Dairy-Free

This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free.

Use Different Veggies

Roast bell peppers or zucchini alongside the cauliflower for extra flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets and chickpeas with olive oil, curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 2

Spread cauliflower and chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 3

While roasting, prepare the green tahini sauce by blending cilantro, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4

Heat cooked basmati rice or grain of choice.

Step 5

To assemble, divide rice into bowls, top with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, drizzle with green tahini sauce, and garnish with optional cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat chickpeas dry before roasting to ensure crispiness.
• Roast cauliflower in a single layer for even cooking.
• Adjust tahini sauce consistency by adding water a tablespoon at a time.
• Use fresh herbs for the sauce to maximize flavor.
• Store sauce separately if making ahead to keep it fresh.

How to Serve

Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls warm with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. Add fresh cucumber and cherry tomatoes for brightness. Pair with a simple side salad or warm pita bread for a full Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store tahini sauce separately.

Freezing

You can freeze the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, but the rice and sauce freeze less well. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat roasted components in the oven or skillet to retain crispiness. Warm rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add tahini sauce fresh before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well before roasting.

2. Can I skip the chickpeas?

Yes, though they add protein and texture to the dish.

3. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and dairy-free.

4. How do I store leftover tahini sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

5. Can I make the tahini sauce without a blender?

Whisk vigorously by hand, but a blender gives a smoother sauce.

6. Can I use other spices instead of curry powder?

Yes, try a shawarma spice blend or more cumin and coriander.

7. How do I get crispy chickpeas?

Dry them thoroughly and roast at high heat without overcrowding.

8. Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it works well as a chilled salad bowl too.

9. What can I substitute for tahini?

Try sunflower seed butter or a creamy hummus sauce.

10. Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely—try pickled onions, olives, or fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delicious, nutritious meal that brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to your table with ease. Roasted spiced cauliflower and chickpeas combined with fragrant rice and bright tahini sauce make for a satisfying and wholesome dish perfect for any day of the week. Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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