Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls
This dish features golden, spice-roasted cauliflower tossed with shawarma seasoning and served over a bed of quinoa or bulgur. Topped with fresh veggies, tangy pickles, and a creamy tahini or yogurt sauce, it’s a satisfying, anti-inflammatory, and fiber-rich bowl that aligns with Mediterranean diet principles.
Time:
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25–30 minutes
Total Time:40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shawarma Cauliflower:
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Bowl Base:
1 cup quinoa or bulgur, cooked
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped parsley or mint
1/2 cup pickled red onions or turnips (optional)
For the Tahini Sauce:
1/4 cup tahini
1–2 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
2–4 tbsp water (to thin)
Salt to taste
Optional alternative:Use a herbed Greek yogurt sauce (yogurt + lemon + dill/mint).
Instructions:
1. Roast the Cauliflower:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, spices, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender with crispy edges.
2. Cook the Grain:
While cauliflower roasts, cook quinoa or bulgur according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and enough water to reach a drizzle-able consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide cooked quinoa or bulgur among 4 bowls.
Top with roasted cauliflower, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles.
Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley or mint.
Tips & Variations:
Add protein:Top with chickpeas, falafel, or grilled chicken if desired.
Make it low-carb:Replace grains with cauliflower rice or greens.
Make it creamy:Add hummus as a base layer or blend into the tahini sauce.
Meal prep tip:Store components separately and assemble just before eating to keep textures fresh.
Nutritional Info
Calories:430 kcal
Protein:12g
Carbohydrates:38g
Fat:25g
Fiber:9g
Sugar:6g
Sodium:380mg