CAULIFLOWER SHAWARMA BOWLS

These Vegan and Gluten-Free Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls feature crispy chickpeas, basmati rice, and a vibrant Green Tahini Sauce, making them an ideal option for quick and delicious weekday meals.

EQUIPMENT

  • Blender
  • Roasting pans

INGREDIENTS

For the Bowls:

  • 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
  • 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 kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.
  • Prepare the Spices: In a bowl, mix together curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Prep the Cauliflower and Chickpeas: Spread the cauliflower florets and chickpeas out on separate baking sheets (or one large sheet if space allows). Drizzle cauliflower with 2 Tbsp olive oil and chickpeas with the remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the chickpeas and toss to coat.
  • Roast: Place both sheets in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, shake the chickpeas and toss the cauliflower. Continue roasting until the cauliflower tips are lightly charred, about 5-10 minutes longer.
  • Make the Green Tahini Sauce: Combine cilantro, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a blender. While blending, slowly add 1/3 cup warm water and blend until smooth.
  • Assemble the Bowls: Divide 1/2 cup of cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with an even portion of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Add optional cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with the Green Tahini Sauce.

NOTES

  • You can prep all components ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • When reheating, wait to add the Green Tahini Sauce and garnishes until the other components are heated.

NUTRITION (PER BOWL):

  • Calories: 402 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 5g

These values are calculated by hand for accuracy but may vary by up to 10% depending on the food brands used.