Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying meal. These bowls combine roasted cauliflower with crispy chickpeas and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce. They are perfect for meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you crave healthy, delicious food. With vibrant spices and fresh toppings, these bowls are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering profile that elevates the humble cauliflower.
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute grains or toppings as you wish, making it adaptable to your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare multiple servings in advance for healthy lunches throughout the week.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: A wholesome option for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and enhance the final dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or mini food processor
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These help achieve even roasting of both cauliflower and chickpeas, ensuring they come out crispy.
• Blender or mini food processor: Essential for creating the smooth Green Tahini Sauce that complements the bowls perfectly.

Ingredients

For the 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 heat will help roast the vegetables until crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mixture

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

Step 3: Roast Cauliflower and Chickpeas

1. Spread cauliflower florets on one baking sheet.
2. Place chickpeas on another baking sheet.
3. Drizzle cauliflower with 2 Tbsp of olive oil; toss to coat evenly.
4. Toss chickpeas with remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil; sprinkle with 1 Tbsp spice mixture to coat well.
5. Sprinkle remaining spice mixture over cauliflower; toss again.
6. Bake both sheets in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. After 15 minutes, shake the pan of chickpeas and toss the cauliflower.

Step 4: Finish Roasting

Remove chickpeas from the oven when done, letting them cool slightly while allowing cauliflower to roast for an additional 5–10 minutes until lightly charred.

Step 5: Make Green Tahini Sauce

In a blender or mini food processor:
1. Combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Gradually stream in 1/3 cup warm water while blending until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Bowls

Place 1/2 cup cooked rice in four bowls:
1. Divide roasted cauliflower and chickpeas evenly over each bowl.
2. Add optional cucumber slices and/or cherry tomatoes if desired.
3. Drizzle with Green Tahini Sauce before serving.

Enjoy your vibrant Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Slices: Thinly sliced English or Persian cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes provide sweetness and color to the bowl.

Incorporate Extra Proteins

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey: For a non-vegan option, grilled chicken or turkey can boost the protein content.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh makes a great plant-based protein addition.

Garnish with Herbs

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of green.

Drizzle Sauces

• Green Tahini Sauce: A generous drizzle enhances the flavors of the roasted veggies.
• Yogurt Sauce: A vegan yogurt sauce can add creaminess if desired.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Creating the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls is easy with a few tips. These suggestions will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for a more vibrant flavor. Old spices may lose potency over time.
• Even Roasting: Ensure cauliflower florets are cut into similar sizes for even cooking and charring.
• Pat Dry Chickpeas: Before roasting, pat chickpeas dry to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure your vegetables roast evenly and develop that lovely caramelization.
• Customize Rice Choices: While basmati rice works well, try quinoa or couscous for a different texture and taste.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the Green Tahini Sauce in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Hummus: Creamy hummus adds flavor and pairs well with fresh veggies. Serve with pita chips or veggie sticks.
2. Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh parsley salad brings brightness and complements the shawarma flavors perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers enhance the meal’s color and nutrition.
4. Grilled Flatbreads: Warm, soft flatbreads are perfect for scooping up all those delicious toppings.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a protein-packed side that pairs nicely with the bowls.
6. Chickpea Salad: A simple chickpea salad with diced vegetables provides added texture and protein to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Failing to properly season your cauliflower and chickpeas can lead to bland bowls. Make sure to coat them well with the spice mixture for maximum flavor.
• Boldly overlook cooking times: Not setting a timer can result in overcooked or undercooked ingredients. Keep an eye on the clock and check for doneness regularly.
• Boldly forget about texture: Using soft vegetables instead of crispy ones can impact your bowl’s overall appeal. Ensure your chickpeas are dry before roasting and give everything space on the baking sheet.
• Boldly ignore ingredient quality: Cheap ingredients can compromise the taste of your dish. Choose fresh, organic vegetables and high-quality spices for the best results.
• Boldly rush the sauce: Blending the Green Tahini Sauce too quickly may leave it chunky. Slowly stream in warm water while blending for a smoother consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Separate sauce from other ingredients to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Best eaten within 1 month for optimal taste.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, then heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1 minute at a time) until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delicious vegan meal featuring roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, served over rice and drizzled with Green Tahini Sauce.

Can I customize my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables, nuts, or seeds as toppings for extra crunch and flavor.

How do I make the Green Tahini Sauce?

To make the Green Tahini Sauce, blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and warm water until smooth.

Can I use other grains instead of rice?

Yes! Feel free to substitute white basmati rice with quinoa, farro, or any grain of your choice.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls healthy?

Yes! These bowls are packed with nutrients from vegetables and legumes while being low in calories and high in fiber.

Final Thoughts

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any meal. Easy to customize with various toppings or grains, this recipe is versatile enough for dinner or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and healthy!