If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing meal to brighten up your week, the Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe is a must-try. This dish brilliantly combines smoky, spiced chickpeas with fresh, crisp veggies and creamy tahini dressing, all served over fluffy quinoa and peppery arugula. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, easy to prepare, and packed with the bright, zesty flavors that make every bite an absolute delight. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you crave a wholesome bowl bursting with color and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe lies in its simple and fresh ingredients, each bringing unique textures and tastes. From the earthy quinoa to the spiced chickpeas and tangy toppings, every component plays a vital role in creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Arugula: Adds a peppery, fresh green element that balances the spices.
- Sliced red onion: Offers a sharp crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Cucumber: Provides cooling crispness that refreshes the palate.
- Feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty richness that complements the bowl perfectly.
- Banana peppers: Introduce a mild tangy heat that’s both unexpected and delightful.
- Kalamata olives: Add briny depth and a Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 cup quinoa: This superfood grain is the hearty base of the bowl, fluffy and nutty.
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed): The star ingredient, perfect for absorbing the shawarma spices.
- Spices (cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, salt): Create the warm shawarma seasoning that transforms the chickpeas.
- 2 teaspoons oil (olive or coconut): Helps crisp the chickpeas beautifully in the oven.
- Tahini: The creamy sesame seed paste that makes the dressing luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
- Lemon or lime juice: Lifts the dressing with a bright citrus zing.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the tahini sauce.
How to Make Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF. This high temperature will give your chickpeas a perfect golden crisp that is so essential for that irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa if you prefer, then combine it with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil on high heat, then lower to a simmer and cover for 10-15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and all the water is absorbed. This grain powerhouse forms the comforting base of your bowl.
Step 3: Season and Roast the Chickpeas
While the quinoa cooks, spread the chickpeas out on a baking sheet and drizzle with your choice of oil—olive or coconut both work wonderfully. Sprinkle on the cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt, then toss to coat every chickpea in those fragrant shawarma spices. Roast in the oven for 14-16 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Tahini Dressing
In a small bowl, combine tahini, water, lemon or lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth, adding more water little by little to reach your desired dressing consistency — whether thick and creamy or lighter and pourable. This dressing will bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare Your Toppings
While the chickpeas roast and quinoa cooks, slice your red onions and cucumber, crumble the feta cheese, and get your banana peppers and Kalamata olives ready. These fresh, tangy toppings add bursts of flavor and color that make the bowl sing.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the quinoa evenly into two bowls, add a generous handful of arugula to each, followed by the roasted chickpeas. Sprinkle on onion, cucumber, feta, banana peppers, and olives, then drizzle liberally with your tahini sauce. Mix it all together or enjoy each element separately – either way, it’s a bowl full of joy!
How to Serve Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped cilantro on top for an herbal lift. Toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of sumac bring an extra layer of flavor and texture. These small touches can elevate the dish into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
This bowl is quite complete on its own, but if you want to expand, a side of warm pita bread or a simple tabbouleh salad pairs beautifully. You could also add some hummus for extra creaminess and protein, making your meal even heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the ingredients in a clear jar for a beautiful on-the-go lunch option. You can also serve the components family-style, letting everyone build their own bowls to suit their tastes. Using vibrant bowls or plates helps showcase the colorful array of ingredients to really ignite your appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the tahini dressing alone ensures your ingredients stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the spiced chickpeas alone in a sealed container for up to a month. Quinoa freezes well too, so if you want to prep in bulk, freezing portions for later is totally doable. Just avoid freezing fresh vegetables or the tahini dressing.
Reheating
Reheat the chickpeas and quinoa gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm and fragrant. Then add fresh toppings and dress with tahini just before eating to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
While this recipe shines with chickpeas due to their texture and ability to absorb spices, you could try white beans or lentils, but the flavor and crunch might differ significantly.
Is this recipe vegan?
To keep it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and very friendly for vegan diets.
How spicy is the shawarma seasoning?
This shawarma blend leans toward warm and aromatic rather than spicy hot. If you like a kick, you can always sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the quinoa, roast the chickpeas, and make the dressing in advance. Just store them separately and assemble your bowl right before eating for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have quinoa?
Feel free to swap quinoa for couscous, bulgur, or even brown rice. Each offers a slightly different texture but will work beautifully as a hearty base for the bowl.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe a try soon because it’s such a joyful, colorful, and satisfying meal. Its balance of spiced chickpeas, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini dressing creates a harmony of flavors that stays with you long after the last bite. Whether you’re searching for a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner, this bowl has got you covered and will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Buddha Bowl
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and nutritious Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl featuring spiced roasted chickpeas, fluffy quinoa, fresh arugula, and colorful Mediterranean toppings, all brought together with a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for a wholesome, flavorful vegetarian meal that is quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Grains & Legumes
- 1/2 cup quinoa (multicolored or any variety)
- 1 cup water
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Toppings
- Arugula, a few handfuls
- Sliced red onion, to taste
- Cucumber, sliced or diced, to taste
- Banana peppers, to taste
- Kalamata olives, to taste
- Feta cheese, to taste
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons oil (olive or coconut oil)
Tahini Dressing
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed for desired consistency)
- Juice of half a lemon or lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for roasting the chickpeas.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine quinoa and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat with the lid on. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the quinoa is fully cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Roast Chickpeas: While the quinoa cooks, spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of oil and toss to coat. Season with cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt. Toss well to evenly distribute the spices. Roast in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chickpeas are crisp and golden.
- Prepare Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, 1/4 cup water, lemon or lime juice, and minced garlic. Add more water if needed to reach a creamy, pourable consistency that suits your taste.
- Prep Toppings: Slice the red onion and cucumber, and prepare banana peppers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese as desired for serving.
- Assemble Bowls: Distribute cooked quinoa evenly between two bowls. Add a few handfuls of fresh arugula to each. Top with the roasted chickpeas, sliced red onion, cucumbers, banana peppers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome Chickpea Shawarma Buddha Bowl!
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous if preferred.
- Adjust the spices to your taste – more cumin or a pinch of cayenne can add extra heat.
- Tahini dressing thickness can be customized by varying water quantity.
- Use fresh lemon or lime juice for best flavor in dressing.
- Make sure chickpeas are well-drained and patted dry for crisp roasting.
- This bowl can be served warm or at room temperature.
