This roasted cauliflower shawarma brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower, perfectly balanced by the warming spices and creamy tahini sauce. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with amazing aromas.
Perfectly roasted and golden brown, this cauliflower shawarma can be served with pita or enjoyed on its own as a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a vegan dinner or a new spin on your favorite Mediterranean dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
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1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 tablespoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup tahini
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1 garlic clove, minced
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2 tablespoons water
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Pita bread (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned cauliflower onto a baking sheet in an even layer.
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Roast cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender, flipping halfway through.
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While the cauliflower is roasting, make the tahini sauce: whisk together tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
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Once the cauliflower is done roasting, drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve the cauliflower shawarma with pita bread or as a standalone dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cauliflower Shawarma: A Delicious, Healthy Twist on a Classic Middle Eastern Dish
Cauliflower Shawarma is a modern twist on a traditional Middle Eastern favorite. The rich, spicy flavors of shawarma, typically made with meat, are now brought to life using cauliflower, making this a fantastic plant-based option for those seeking healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. This dish has gained significant popularity in recent years due to the growing interest in plant-based diets, and it showcases how versatile cauliflower can be when used in traditional recipes.
The Origins of Shawarma
Shawarma is a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, with roots tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. Traditionally, shawarma is made from seasoned meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) that is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The cooking method allows the meat to develop a crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. It’s often served in pita bread or flatbread, accompanied by a variety of toppings and sauces.
The concept of shawarma has been adapted in various parts of the world, especially with the growing demand for plant-based alternatives. While cauliflower shawarma may not have deep historical roots, it perfectly captures the essence of shawarma’s rich flavors and provides a cruelty-free option for vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious individuals.
Why Cauliflower?
Cauliflower has quickly become a superstar in the world of plant-based cooking, thanks to its mild flavor, ability to absorb seasonings, and versatility in different cooking methods. Its texture can mimic the consistency of meat, making it an excellent substitute for dishes that traditionally rely on animal protein. When roasted, cauliflower becomes tender, caramelized, and slightly crispy, which makes it the perfect vehicle for shawarma’s signature spices.
Cauliflower also packs a nutritional punch. It is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants. This makes cauliflower shawarma not only delicious but also a nutrient-dense meal option. Whether you’re looking to reduce your meat intake or just trying to add more vegetables to your diet, cauliflower shawarma is an excellent choice.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower Shawarma
Incorporating cauliflower into your meals brings several health benefits. As mentioned, cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. It is also a great source of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Furthermore, cauliflower is an excellent option for individuals following gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets, making it an inclusive dish for various dietary needs. The spices used in cauliflower shawarma—such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and coriander—are not only aromatic and flavorful but also have anti-inflammatory properties. These spices are known for their ability to improve digestion, boost immunity, and support overall health.
How to Make Cauliflower Shawarma
Making cauliflower shawarma is relatively simple, and it’s a great dish for both beginners and experienced cooks. To prepare the dish, you’ll need cauliflower florets, olive oil, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice. The cauliflower is tossed in these spices and roasted until tender and golden. You can then drizzle it with a tahini sauce or serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a side of hummus for added richness.
One of the best things about cauliflower shawarma is its adaptability. The seasoning mix can be adjusted to suit your personal tastes. For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as fresh herbs, pickles, or pomegranate seeds, to elevate the dish further.
Variations of Cauliflower Shawarma
Cauliflower shawarma can be easily customized depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Some variations include:
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Cauliflower Shawarma Wrap: For a more portable meal, you can serve the roasted cauliflower in a pita or flatbread wrap. Add your favorite veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce, and drizzle with a tangy tahini sauce or yogurt-based sauce.
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Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl: Instead of serving the cauliflower in a wrap, serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa. Add roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a more filling meal.
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Spicy Cauliflower Shawarma: If you like heat, try adding more chili powder, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy harissa sauce or a zesty lemon garlic sauce for an extra punch.
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Grilled Cauliflower Shawarma: For a smoky twist, you can grill the cauliflower instead of roasting it. Grilled cauliflower has a slightly charred flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
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Cauliflower Shawarma Salad: To make it even lighter, you can serve the roasted cauliflower on top of a leafy green salad. Add a few chickpeas, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower shawarma is incredibly versatile when it comes to how it’s served. While it’s typically enjoyed in a wrap or bowl, it can also be served as part of a larger mezze platter, accompanied by hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or falafel. This makes it perfect for sharing at family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
For a simple meal, you can enjoy the roasted cauliflower on its own with a side of pita bread or rice. Adding a sauce like tahini, yogurt, or a garlic-lemon dressing enhances the flavor and adds a creamy contrast to the spices. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro gives the dish a bright, fresh finish.
Cauliflower Shawarma for Meal Prep
One of the great advantages of cauliflower shawarma is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch of roasted cauliflower, store it in the fridge, and use it throughout the week in wraps, salads, or bowls. The cauliflower keeps well for several days and can even be reheated in the oven for that crispy texture.
By preparing the cauliflower and the sauce ahead of time, you can have a delicious, healthy meal ready in no time, whether you’re packing lunch for work or preparing dinner after a busy day.
Conclusion
Cauliflower shawarma is a healthy, flavorful, and versatile dish that makes for a fantastic addition to any meal plan. It brings the beloved flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma to the plant-based table, offering a delicious alternative that’s both satisfying and nourishing. With its rich spices, tender cauliflower, and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you enjoy it in a wrap, bowl, or salad, cauliflower shawarma is a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.