Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl

Name: Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 cup fresh cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Tahini sauce (for drizzling); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Highlighted under: World Food Recipes

I love making this Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl because it's not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The spiced chickpeas bring a warm and lively flavor that transforms a simple rice bowl into something special. We have been experimenting with various spices to get the perfect shawarma taste, and this combination truly hits the mark! With a quick preparation time and all the vibrant ingredients, it's a dish that can brighten any day and leave everyone wanting more.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-23T14:14:19.704Z

When I first created this recipe for Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl, I was looking for a nutritious meal that didn't skimp on flavor. The chickpeas are roasted with a mix of spices that capture the essence of traditional shawarma. Using canned chickpeas makes this dish super convenient, so you can whip it up on even the busiest days without losing its soul.

I also love adding fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce, which elevates the whole meal. It’s a great reminder that you can create healthy, delicious recipes in a short amount of time, and enhancing dishes with homemade sauces can really make a difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flavorful spiced chickpeas that transport your taste buds.
Nutritious and filling, perfect for a healthy meal.
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.

Understanding the Chickpeas

The key to achieving that perfect texture in your chickpeas lies in ensuring they are well-drained and rinsed. This not only helps to remove excess sodium but also ensures that the spices adhere better. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chickpeas from the freezer; just make sure to thaw them well before adding your seasoning. A good tip is to pat them dry with a paper towel to achieve crispiness when roasted.

Using extra virgin olive oil in this recipe not only enhances the flavor but also helps the spices cling to the chickpeas. It’s advisable to toss the chickpeas in a bowl before transferring them to the baking sheet. This means that every nook and cranny of the chickpeas is covered, leading to more flavorful bites. Remember to taste your seasoning before roasting; chickpeas can handle quite a bit of spice!

Perfecting Your Rice Bowl

When it comes to selecting rice, both white and brown varieties work well for this dish, but they do cook differently. Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time; about 40-50 minutes, while white rice cooks in about 15-20 minutes. If you're looking for a quick meal, consider using a rice cooker or instant pot for perfectly fluffy rice without the fuss. Mixing in a pinch of salt while cooking can elevate the flavor of the rice subtly.

Feel free to customize your rice bowl with other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for added crunch and color. If you’re looking for a more filling option, you can add some avocado or roasted sweet potatoes for that creamy texture. Experimenting with different herbs for garnish, such as mint or cilantro, can also really enhance the freshness of this dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the roasted chickpeas in an airtight container for up to three days; they may lose some crispiness, so consider reheating them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crunch. The rice can also be cooked in advance and refrigerated, making this dish perfect for meal prepping.

For an easy meal on the go, assemble the rice bowl without drizzling the tahini sauce until you’re ready to eat—this will keep everything fresh. You can also serve it in wrap form, using pita bread or tortillas for a hand-held option, which makes for a tasty lunch alternative. Variations like drizzling with yogurt sauce instead of tahini can give it a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl!

For the Chickpeas

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup fresh cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Tahini sauce (for drizzling)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Mix the chickpeas with spices and roast for a delightful crunch!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl!

Prepare the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix the drained chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until all chickpeas are well-coated.

Roast the Chickpeas

Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.

Assemble the Rice Bowl

In bowls, layer the cooked rice, roasted chickpeas, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.

Drizzle and Serve

Finish by drizzling with tahini sauce and squeezing lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Make it your own by adding other favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some pickled onions or fresh avocado on top. If you want more protein, consider topping your bowl with grilled chicken or tofu.

Nutritional Benefits

Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this bowl not just tasty but also nutritious and filling. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium, contributing to overall health. The addition of fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes adds a crunch and boosts the nutrient profile, offering hydration and vitamins.

If you're looking to make this recipe vegan-friendly, substituting tahini sauce with a homemade avocado dressing can maintain the creamy texture while adding healthy fats. This dish remains balanced thanks to the combination of ingredients that provide a range of macronutrients—ideal for any meal, whether lunch or dinner.

Ingredient Variations

This recipe lends itself well to various spices, so don’t hesitate to try adding sumac for a tangy twist or coriander seeds for a more intense flavor. You can also adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper or substituting it with a milder spice like smoked paprika alone for a distinct smokiness without too much kick.

If you want to keep things seasonal, experiment with vegetables in your rice bowl based on what's available at your local market. Roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts can be a hearty addition during cooler months, while zucchini and bell peppers might offer a refreshing summer vibe.

Quick Cleanup

To make cleanup easier after preparing this Chickpea Shawarma Rice Bowl, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before roasting the chickpeas. This prevents sticking and simplifies the cleanup process afterward. You can also use a microwave-safe container for storing leftover rice, which reduces the number of dishes you dirty.

Planning your prep can also minimize mess; chop all the vegetables while the chickpeas are roasting. This way, you'll have everything ready and arranged beautifully when serving, and it keeps the kitchen tidy. Utilizing a cutting board with a built-in colander can help streamline the rinsing and cutting of your veggies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses chickpeas and vegetables.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can substitute tahini with a dollop of yogurt or even hummus for a creamy texture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover chickpeas and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, or even farro make great alternatives for this rice bowl.