Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Chickpea Shawarma Bowls! They’re not just delicious; they’re packed with protein and bursting with flavor, thanks to that unique shawarma spice blend that brings everything together. I love how easy it is to throw together this dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, you can serve them warm or cold, which is a total game-changer! The combination of crispy chickpeas, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini creates a symphony of tastes and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed – these little gems are packed with protein and fiber!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this helps to crisp up those chickpeas and adds a lovely richness.
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend – trust me, this is what gives the bowls that unforgettable flavor!
- 1 cup cooked quinoa – a great base that adds texture and makes this dish super filling.
- 1 cup chopped cucumber – for a refreshing crunch and a burst of color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – they’re sweet and juicy, perfect for balancing the spices.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced – it adds a nice bite, but feel free to adjust based on your taste!
- 1/4 cup tahini – creamy and nutty, it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – adds brightness and zing to the entire dish.
- Salt to taste – don’t forget to season; it brings out all the flavors!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – it adds a pop of color and freshness at the end!
How to Prepare Chickpea Shawarma Bowls
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven will help those chickpeas get perfectly crispy, which is what we’re after! Trust me, there’s nothing better than that satisfying crunch to complement all the fresh ingredients.
Prepare the Chickpeas
Now, grab a bowl and toss in your drained and rinsed chickpeas. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle the shawarma spice blend over them. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together gently, making sure every chickpea is coated in that fabulous spice mix. You want them to soak up all those flavors!
Roast the Chickpeas
Spread the seasoned chickpeas out on a baking sheet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them, or they won’t roast evenly. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast those beauties for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy—just give them a little shake halfway through to ensure they cook evenly!
Assemble the Bowl
Once your chickpeas are all crispy and golden, it’s time to build your bowl! Start with a generous layer of cooked quinoa at the bottom of your serving bowl. Then, add the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in an artful arrangement. Don’t rush this part; it’s all about making it look as good as it tastes!
Finish with Tahini and Lemon Juice
Finally, drizzle that creamy tahini over your beautifully arranged bowl, followed by a splash of lemon juice for that zing we love. Give it a final sprinkle of salt to bring out all those flavors, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color. And there you have it—your Chickpea Shawarma Bowl is ready to dig into!
Tips for Success
To make your Chickpea Shawarma Bowls even more delightful, here are a few tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels; if you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. Also, for extra crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds on top! If you have leftovers, store the components separately to keep everything fresh. Oh, and if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa or even store-bought tahini sauce. Lastly, play around with the veggies—bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes make fantastic additions to this dish! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about Chickpea Shawarma Bowls is how easily you can customize them! If you want to switch up the base, try using fluffy brown rice, nutty farro, or even creamy mashed sweet potatoes instead of quinoa. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some roasted cauliflower or sautéed spinach for extra veggies. You can also mix in some avocado for a creamy twist or top it off with some crumbled feta cheese if you’re not strictly vegan. And don’t forget about the toppings—pickled red onions, olives, or a sprinkle of crispy chickpea crumbles can take your bowl to the next level. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
These Chickpea Shawarma Bowls are not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 5g
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But overall, this bowl is a hearty, healthy choice that’s sure to fuel your day!
FAQ Section
Can I make these Chickpea Shawarma Bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chickpeas, quinoa, and veggies in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crispy!
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If chickpeas aren’t your thing, you can try using roasted lentils or even diced and roasted sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor profile!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. I recommend keeping the components separate, especially the tahini sauce, to maintain their freshness. They should be good for about 3 days!
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
You bet! Feel free to use brown rice, farro, or even couscous if you prefer. Each will give the bowl its own unique twist!
How spicy are these bowls?
The spice level really depends on your preference! The shawarma spice blend usually has a mild warmth, but if you like it spicy, you can add some cayenne or chili flakes to kick it up a notch. Enjoy experimenting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with a delightful shawarma spice blend that excites your taste buds.
- Healthy and nutritious, loaded with protein and fiber from chickpeas and quinoa.
- Vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and toppings for endless variations!
Chickpea Shawarma Bowls: 5 Flavor-Packed Winners
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Chickpea Shawarma Bowls are a healthy and flavorful dish packed with protein and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, and shawarma spice blend.
- Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
- In a serving bowl, layer cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add roasted chickpeas on top.
- Drizzle with tahini and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Serve warm or cold.
- Can substitute quinoa with rice or couscous.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chickpea Shawarma Bowls, Vegan Bowls, Healthy Recipes