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Flat pita bread topped with green avocado sauce, chickpeas and cauliflower.
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Cauliflower Shawarma with Avocado Crema

Spiced cauliflower and chickpeas served in warm pita with a zesty avocado crema made from lime, jalapeños, cashews, and cilantro. Creamy, flavorful, and fresh!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 serves
Calories 347kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Blender

Ingredients

Spices

  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp sumac
  • 2 tsp salt Diamond Crystal recommended
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional

Chickpeas & Cauliflower

  • 1 medium cauliflower broken into large florets; approx. 2.2 lb / 1kg
  • 2 14 oz cans chickpeas drained and rinsed; approx. 800g total
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Avocado Crema

  • cup raw cashews soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drained; approx. 45g
  • 1 avocado peeled and pitted
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh lime juice juice from about 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro packed; leaves only
  • 3 tbsp pickled jalapeño brine or sub water
  • 3-6 tbsp water adjust to blend
  • 1 tbsp pickled jalapeno slices optional
  • 1 clove garlic peeled
  • ¼ tsp salt

To serve

  • 8 large pitas warmed
  • fresh cilantro for serving; leaves only

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, sumac, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets and chickpeas with the olive oil and spice mix until well coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Roast for 20 minutes, flip the cauliflower and shake the chickpeas, then roast for another 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the chickpeas are golden.
  • While the vegetables roast, soak the cashews in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain. Add the cashews, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño brine, garlic, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed and adding more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is creamy and spreadable.
  • Heat the pitas in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave for 10–20 seconds until warm and pliable.
  • Assemble and serve.
  • Spread a generous layer of avocado crema on each pita. Top with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 1072mg | Potassium: 649mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 2mg