A vegetarian take on shawarma using cauliflower! Serve this cauliflower shawarma on pillowy flatbread with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad and creamy tzatziki sauce.
1large headcauliflower, core and leaves removed, and cut into bite size florets , about 6-7 cups
1teaspoonground coriander
1teaspoonground cumin
1/4teaspooncayenne , I use less when making these for my kids
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
2teaspoonsminced fresh garlic cloves
1tablespoon lemon juice
3tablespoons olive oil
Cucumber Tomato Salad
1cup chopped tomatoes, seeds and core removed
1/2cupchopped, seeded and peeled cucumber
1/4cupfinely chopped red onion
1/4cupfinely chopped parsley
Tzatziki Sauce
3/4cupplain Greek yogurt (whole milk for best taste, but low-fat or dairy-free will work)
1teaspoonlemon juice
1tablespoonolive oil
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2cupfinely chopped peeled and seeded cucumber
1/4teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
4 Pillowy Flatbreads or Greek Pita Breads
Instructions
Make the Cauliflower Shawarma
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Whisk together all the ingredients for the Shawarma, then drizzle onto the cauliflower florets, using your hands to get the spices into all of the nooks and crannies of the florets.
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until cauliflower is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Make the Tomato Salad
While the cauliflower is cooking, make the tomato salad by combining the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and parsley. Add salt to taste, I usually do about 1/4 teaspoon salt knowing that the cauliflower and tzatzki sauce are also salty! Set aside.
1 cup chopped tomatoes, seeds and core removed, 1/2 cup chopped, seeded and peeled cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Whisk together the greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, cucumber, salt and pepper. Taste and set aside.
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk for best taste, but low-fat or dairy-free will work), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup finely chopped peeled and seeded cucumber, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Assemble!
Warm the pita bread (I do this in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds) then place the cauliflower, tomato cucumber salad and tzatziki sauce. Enjoy immedietly!