Easy Vegan Shawarma-Inspired Bowls with Creamy Tahini & Tangy Pomegranate Sauces

há 2 semanas

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.

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

Vegan Shawarma inspired ingredients laid out A vibrant display of ingredients for homemade Tahini and Pomegranate Sauces, ready for your plant-based shawarma creations.

Vegan Mince Wraps with Tahini and Pomegranate Sauce Delicious vegan mince wraps, generously drizzled with creamy tahini and tangy pomegranate sauces, showcasing a perfect plant-based meal.

Close-up of Homemade Tahini and Pomegranate Sauces Two small bowls featuring the freshly made creamy tahini sauce and the vibrant pomegranate sauce, highlighting their appealing textures and colors.