Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. These bowls feature roasted cauliflower with crispy chickpeas and a creamy Green Tahini Sauce that ties it all together. They are perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner, making them a versatile choice for various occasions. Enjoy the unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients that makes this dish stand out!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Spices
• Roasted Vegetable Base
• For Serving
• Green Tahini Sauce Ingredients
• How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Spices and Vegetables
• Step 3: Coat with Spice Mixture
• Step 4: Roast in the Oven
• Step 5: Make Green Tahini Sauce
• Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
• How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• With Fresh Vegetables
• With Added Proteins
• As a Meal Prep Option
• Drizzled with Extra Sauce
• How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?
• Can I customize my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?
• How do I make the Green Tahini Sauce?
• How long does it take to prepare Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?
• Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices in the Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls delivers a robust flavor experience that will excite your taste buds.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these bowls quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and plant-based proteins, these bowls are both satisfying and healthy.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute grains for a personalized touch.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: These bowls cater to various dietary preferences, making them an inclusive meal option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, it’s important to have the right tools on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Essential for roasting the cauliflower and chickpeas evenly, ensuring they get crispy without burning.
• Blender or mini food processor: Necessary for making the Green Tahini Sauce smooth and creamy, enhancing the bowl’s flavor profile.

Ingredients

For these delicious Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, gather the following ingredients:

Spices

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

Roasted Vegetable Base

• 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
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

Green Tahini Sauce Ingredients

• 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices and Vegetables

Combine curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread cauliflower florets and chickpeas out on two separate rimmed baking sheets (or one large baking sheet if space allows). Toss cauliflower with 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and chickpeas with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil.

Step 3: Coat with Spice Mixture

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of the spice mixture over the chickpeas and toss to coat well. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Roast in the Oven

Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, shake the pan of chickpeas and give the cauliflower a good toss. Remove chickpeas when done; let cauliflower roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until lightly charred at the tips.

Step 5: Make Green Tahini Sauce

While vegetables are roasting, prepare the Green Tahini Sauce by combining tahini, lemon juice, garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and gradually stream in warm water while blending until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

To serve, place 1/2 cup cooked rice in each of four bowls. Evenly distribute roasted cauliflower and chickpeas over each bowl along with optional cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes if desired. Drizzle Green Tahini Sauce over everything before serving.

Enjoy your vibrant Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls!

How to Serve Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber: Thinly sliced English or Persian cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness to the bowls.

With Added Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: For a non-vegan option, grilled chicken can enhance the protein content.
• Tofu: Marinated and grilled tofu is a great plant-based protein addition.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Batch Cooked Rice: Prepare extra rice ahead of time for quick assembly during busy weeks.
• Mix and Match Veggies: Use any leftover vegetables from your fridge for variety in each serving.

Drizzled with Extra Sauce

• Spicy Tahini Sauce: Add a kick by mixing chili flakes into your tahini sauce.
• Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of yogurt sauce can provide creaminess and tang.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

To create the perfect Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, consider these helpful tips.

• Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor; they make a significant difference in taste.
• Even Roasting: Ensure the cauliflower florets are cut uniformly for even roasting.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Pat the chickpeas dry before roasting to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro and parsley just before serving for added freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

Pair your Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls with these tasty side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

1. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread complements the dish perfectly, ideal for scooping up ingredients.
2. Hummus: A side of creamy hummus adds richness and pairs well with the flavors of the bowl.
3. Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh, herby salad provides brightness and contrast to the bowl’s textures.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Any seasonal roasted vegetables can enhance the meal’s nutritional value.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette is refreshing and nutritious.
6. Olives: A small bowl of olives adds a salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cauliflower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season the cauliflower and chickpeas enough leads to bland flavors. Always use a generous amount of spices.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too much on one sheet can cause steaming instead of roasting. Spread items out for even cooking.
• Skipping the soaking step for chickpeas: Skipping this step can prevent crispiness. Make sure they’re well-dried before roasting.
• Using cold ingredients for the sauce: Cold tahini will not blend well, resulting in a lumpy sauce. Use room temperature or slightly warmed tahini for a smooth texture.
• Not adjusting for personal taste: Every palate is different. Don’t hesitate to modify spice levels or add your favorite toppings for extra flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep the Green Tahini Sauce separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to steam and warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls.

What are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are a delicious vegan dish featuring roasted cauliflower and chickpeas flavored with shawarma spices, served over rice with a creamy tahini sauce.

Can I customize my Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or grains like quinoa or farro. Experiment with different sauces as well!

How do I make the Green Tahini Sauce?

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

How long does it take to prepare Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls?

The total time is about 50 minutes, including preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal weeknight meal option.

Are Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses basmati rice and no gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent meal prep option or an easy weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize them with your choice of toppings or grains to suit your taste preferences.