Description
This Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl is a hearty, plant-based dish bursting with bold Middle Eastern spices, crispy roasted vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce. Packed with protein from chickpeas and quinoa, and finished with fresh veggies and herbs, it’s a nourishing meal that’s just as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups water or broth (for cooking quinoa)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1/3 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
3–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, toss cauliflower, chickpeas, and red onion with olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, turmeric, and cayenne.
3. Spread the vegetables out evenly and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp.
4. While roasting, rinse quinoa and combine with water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. For the tahini sauce, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and warm water until smooth and pourable. Adjust water for desired consistency.
6. Assemble the bowls: Start with quinoa, then add roasted veggies, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
7. Top with fresh herbs and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra crispy cauliflower, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and roast in batches if needed.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest tahini flavor.
This bowl is great for meal prep – store components separately for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg