Inspired by: @welovenature
Craving the vibrant, aromatic flavors of a classic shawarma, but want a delicious, entirely plant-based version? You're in the right place! This versatile recipe isn't just about a seasoning mix; it’s your guide to crafting incredible vegan shawarma-inspired meals that are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Whether you're looking for quick weeknight dinners, exciting meal prep ideas, or a way to infuse Middle Eastern zest into your plant-based cooking, these homemade sauces and versatile serving suggestions have you covered. Imagine succulent vegan mince or crispy onion bhajis elevated by creamy tahini and tangy pomegranate sauces – it's a culinary journey from your kitchen!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create these essential sauces and bring your vegan shawarma-inspired dishes to life. While the original post highlighted a "Shawarma seasoning mix" as a key flavor, the provided ingredients are for the delightful accompanying sauces that truly make the dish sing. We recommend using a good quality store-bought vegan shawarma seasoning, or a homemade blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:
- Water
- Sunflower Oil
- Tahini 6.3%*
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Sesame Seed Oil
- Cornstarch
- Modified Egg Yolk Powder (ensure vegan, or omit if using whole food alternative like black salt/nutritional yeast for eggy flavor)
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Spices (Cumin, Cinnamon) Note: The original recipe content listed 'Modified Egg Yolk Powder'. If you are aiming for a strictly vegan dish, ensure the product you use is vegan-certified, or consider replacing it with a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for an 'eggy' flavor, or nutritional yeast for a savory depth.
For the Tangy Pomegranate Sauce:
- Pomegranate Juice 14.2%*
- Water
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Salt
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers
Instructions
Creating these flavorful sauces is simple, allowing you to focus on your main dish.
Making the Creamy Tahini Sauce:
- Combine water, sunflower oil, tahini, sugar, vinegar, and sesame seed oil in a small saucepan. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon or two of cold water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. If using, add the modified egg yolk powder (or vegan alternative) and spices (cumin, cinnamon).
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice concentrate and salt to taste.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It will thicken further as it cools.
Making the Tangy Pomegranate Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, water, sugar, and vinegar. Whisk well.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon or two of cold water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice concentrate and salt to taste.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
Use Cases and Serving Suggestions
These sauces, paired with a good shawarma seasoning, are incredibly versatile for any plant-based meal.
- Vegan Mince Wraps: As @welovenature suggests, the sauces are fantastic with seasoned vegan mince, wrapped in warm flatbreads or lettuce cups. It's a quick and satisfying meal.
- Onion Bhaji Side: A little drizzle of these sauces can elevate your favorite onion bhajis, adding a delightful Middle Eastern twist to this Indian classic.
- Shawarma Bowls: Create hearty bowls with a base of brown rice or quinoa, topped with seasoned roasted vegetables (like bell peppers and zucchini), marinated tofu or tempeh, fresh parsley, and a generous drizzle of both sauces.
- Salad Dressings: Thin the tahini sauce slightly with a bit more lemon juice or water for a creamy salad dressing.
- Sandwich Spreads: Use the tahini sauce as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, adding rich flavor and moisture.
Variations and Adaptations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tahini sauce for a fiery twist.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in fresh chopped parsley or cilantro into the tahini sauce before serving.
- Sugar-Free Option: For both sauces, replace sugar with your preferred sugar-free sweetener or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- Thicker/Thinner Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch (for thickening) or water (for thinning) to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Tips & Hacks
- Batch Prepare: Make a larger batch of these sauces at the beginning of the week. Stored in airtight containers in the fridge, they'll last for several days, making meal prep a breeze.
- Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your sauces will largely depend on the quality of your tahini and pomegranate juice. Invest in good brands for the best taste.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially salt and lemon juice, to perfectly balance the flavors to your preference.
Related Articles
- Explore more easy vegan meal ideas with Quick & Easy Vegan Black Pepper Fried Noodles.
- Discover another vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish with Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine.
- Find out how to make more delicious plant-based sauces with The Easiest Life-Changing Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce.
- Get more creative with Middle Eastern flavors in Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini.
Ready to transform your meals? Whip up these incredible sauces and share your favorite vegan shawarma-inspired creations with the abillion community! Don't forget to tag us and inspire others.
Image Gallery
A vibrant display of ingredients for homemade Tahini and Pomegranate Sauces, ready for your plant-based shawarma creations.
Delicious vegan mince wraps, generously drizzled with creamy tahini and tangy pomegranate sauces, showcasing a perfect plant-based meal.
Two small bowls featuring the freshly made creamy tahini sauce and the vibrant pomegranate sauce, highlighting their appealing textures and colors.
