Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Chickpea Shawarma Bowls! They’re a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that just make my heart sing. Packed with protein from the chickpeas and brimming with spices, they’re not just healthy—they’re downright delicious! I love how easy they are to whip up, and you can customize them to your heart’s content. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a quick, flavorful dinner, these bowls are your new best friend. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare Chickpea Shawarma Bowls
Preheat the Oven
First things first: you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it helps the chickpeas roast evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
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 the top. Give everything a good stir to coat those chickpeas evenly. The spices stick better when they’re mixed with the oil, so make sure they’re fully coated—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Roast the Chickpeas
Spread the seasoned chickpeas out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to check on them halfway through and give them a little shake to ensure they’re cooking evenly. They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy—oh, that crunch is going to be heavenly!
Assemble the Bowls
Once your chickpeas are all crispy and delightful, it’s time to assemble the bowls! Start by layering the cooked quinoa as the base in your serving bowl. Then, add in your chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Don’t be shy—pile it all on there!
Finish with Tahini and Lemon Juice
Now for the pièce de résistance! Drizzle your tahini all over the assembled bowls, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds such a nice zing! Sprinkle some salt to taste and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color. And voila! You’ve got a beautiful, vibrant Chickpea Shawarma Bowl ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just about 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with protein and fiber from chickpeas and quinoa, making it super satisfying.
- The shawarma spices deliver a delightful punch of flavor that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
- It’s a versatile dish; feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or grains!
- Both warm and cold, it’s great for meal prep or a fresh and vibrant dinner.
- Totally vegan and packed with healthy fats from tahini—guilt-free indulgence!
- Customizable to your taste; adjust the spices or add toppings to make it your own!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Chickpea Shawarma Bowls turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I swear by:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or more shawarma spice to the mix. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, just dial back the spices a bit. Taste as you go—that’s the secret!
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix in or swap out veggies! Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes can add a delightful twist to your bowls. The more colorful, the better!
- Grain Substitutes: While quinoa is my go-to, you can easily replace it with brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each grain gives a different texture that’s worth exploring!
- Make it Ahead: These bowls are fantastic for meal prep! Roast extra chickpeas and have them ready to toss on salads or grain bowls throughout the week. They keep well in the fridge for a few days.
- Tahini Alternatives: If tahini isn’t your thing, try drizzling some creamy yogurt or a simple olive oil and lemon dressing instead. Each option brings its own unique flavor!
- Garnish Galore: Play around with garnishes! Crumbled feta or olives can give a Mediterranean flair, while avocado adds a creamy, dreamy touch. Get creative!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect Chickpea Shawarma Bowls every single time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how nourishing these Chickpea Shawarma Bowls are! Each bowl is packed with goodness, making it not just a meal, but a wholesome experience. Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 15g
Not only are these bowls satisfying, but they’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber! You can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing you’re fueling your body with nutritious ingredients. Yum!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these fabulous Chickpea Shawarma Bowls? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. You can cook them in a pot or a pressure cooker until they’re tender. Canned chickpeas are just a quick and easy option, but dried will work beautifully if you have the time.
What if I don’t have shawarma spice blend?
No stress! You can make your own by mixing together cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, and a pinch of cinnamon. It’ll give you that warm, aromatic flavor we all love without needing a store-bought blend.
Can I make these bowls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can roast the chickpeas and prepare the quinoa in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store the tahini dressing separately so it doesn’t make everything soggy. You can enjoy the bowls cold or reheat them in the microwave, though I recommend enjoying them warm!
Can I freeze the chickpeas?
Yes, you can! Once they’ve cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last in the freezer for about 2 months. Just thaw them out in the fridge overnight before using them again!
What other toppings can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Try adding avocado, olives, or even some pickled veggies for a tangy kick. You could also throw on some nuts or seeds for an extra crunch. Get creative and make it your own!
Hope that clears things up! If you have more questions, just ask—I’m here to help you make the best Chickpea Shawarma Bowls ever!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious Chickpea Shawarma Bowls, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a truly satisfying meal experience! Here are some of my favorite ideas that complement the flavors perfectly:
- Pita Bread: Warm, fluffy pita bread is a fantastic addition! You can use it to scoop up the chickpeas or just enjoy it on the side. It adds that lovely, chewy texture that pairs so well with the bowls.
- Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh and vibrant parsley salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon is a refreshing side that balances the hearty chickpeas beautifully. It’s light, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The caramelized sweetness from the roasting adds an extra layer of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Yogurt Sauce: A drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce or tzatziki can elevate your bowls to the next level! It adds a cool, tangy contrast that complements the spices perfectly.
- Grilled Halloumi: If you’re not strictly vegan, some grilled halloumi cheese can be a delightful addition! Its salty, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with the spices in the chickpeas.
- Pickled Red Onions: These add a punch of acidity and a pop of color to your meal. Just quick-pickled onions will bring a delightful tang that brightens up the whole dish.
Mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. The goal is to create a colorful, flavorful spread that makes each bite of your Chickpea Shawarma Bowls even more enjoyable. Happy feasting!
Print
Chickpea Shawarma Bowls: 7 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- 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