Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap

Name: Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 large pita breads or wraps; 1 cup lettuce, shredded; 1 tomato, diced; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup tahini sauce; Lemon wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love creating flavorful vegetarian dishes, and this Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap has become one of my favorites! The combination of spiced chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce is a delightful experience for my taste buds. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it's also quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delicious lunch option. The crispy texture of the chickpeas adds a wonderful crunch that elevates this wrap to the next level.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T13:49:29.697Z

When I first tried making a shawarma wrap with chickpeas, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. However, roasting the chickpeas with the right blend of spices made all the difference! The aroma that filled my kitchen was irresistible, and I knew I was onto something special. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture.

The key is to allow enough time for the chickpeas to crisp up in the oven. I typically let them roast for about 25 minutes, but checking on them halfway ensures they reach the perfect crunch without burning. Trust me, it's worth the wait!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy, flavorful chickpeas with a perfect blend of spices
Fresh, vibrant vegetables that add a delightful crunch
Creamy tahini sauce that ties all the flavors together

      

Maximizing Chickpea Crispiness

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture for your chickpeas, it's crucial to dry them thoroughly after rinsing. Pat them down with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, ensuring any excess moisture is removed. This not only helps the spices adhere better but also prevents steaming, which can lead to sogginess during roasting. If you have time, consider letting the chickpeas air-dry for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking.

The choice of spices also plays a pivotal role in the flavor profile of this dish. While the smoked paprika and cumin are key for that signature shawarma taste, feel free to experiment with spices like coriander or paprika for different flavor notes. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix. The balance of spices is vital; taste the seasoning before adding it to ensure it's to your liking.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to add a twist to your Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap, consider swapping out the tahini for other creamy options. Greek yogurt or a homemade cashew cream can work as excellent alternatives that provide creaminess with a different flavor depth. For those who enjoy a bit of zing, a yogurt-based sauce with lemon zest can add a refreshing kick to the dish.

For a gluten-free version, replace the pita breads with gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves. This keeps the wrap light and fresh while still packing flavor. Additionally, you can incorporate different vegetables based on the season or your preferences—such as roasted red peppers, shredded carrots, or even grilled zucchini—to elevate your wrap.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

One of the great things about this recipe is its preparation flexibility. The roasted chickpeas can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their crispiness, however, can diminish over time, so if you're making them ahead, reheat them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving to revive their texture.

The tahini sauce can also be prepared ahead of time. It will thicken as it sits; if that happens, simply stir in a little warm water to bring it back to a drizzling consistency. When you're ready to assemble your wraps, chop and prepare your veggies, and store them in separate containers in the fridge to keep them fresh and crunchy until you're ready to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

For the Chickpeas

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Wrap

4 large pita breads or wraps
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup tahini sauce
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are well coated.

Roast the Chickpeas

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

Assemble the Wraps

Warm the pita breads or wraps in a dry skillet for about a minute on each side. On each wrap, layer the lettuce, diced tomato, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Once the chickpeas are roasted, add a generous portion on top.

Add Sauce and Serve

Drizzle tahini sauce over the filled wraps and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Roll up the wraps tightly and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chickpeas in the spices for 30 minutes before roasting. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preferences!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap with a side of tabbouleh or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing meal that balances the spices. The brightness from fresh herbs like parsley in tabbouleh complements the rich flavors of the chickpeas beautifully. Additionally, you can serve this dish with a side of pickled vegetables for an extra tang that cuts through the creaminess of the tahini sauce.

For a heartier meal, consider adding a grain component like quinoa or couscous inside the wrap or on the side. Not only does it make the dish more filling, but it also increases the nutritional value. A dollop of hummus on the side can also enhance the experience, giving guests another creamy element to enjoy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chickpeas are not getting crispy, it could be due to excess moisture. Make sure to completely dry your chickpeas after rinsing. Also, spread them out evenly on the baking sheet; overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast. Remember to give them a good stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.

If your tahini sauce turns out too thick, simply thin it with water until it reaches your desired consistency. On the flip side, if it's too thin, adding a bit more tahini or a small amount of olive oil can help thicken it up. Taste as you adjust for the right balance of richness and tanginess that complements the wrap perfectly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or serving a crowd. To scale up, simply double or triple the quantity of chickpeas and the spices used. Ensure you use a larger baking sheet or multiple sheets to give the chickpeas enough space to roast properly without steaming each other.

When making several wraps, consider organizing your assembly line. Set up a station with all your ingredients ready to go—chickpeas, veggies, and sauce—to streamline the process. This method also makes it fun if you're preparing the wraps as a group activity with family or friends, allowing everyone to customize their own wraps according to their preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them before using. Make sure they're tender for the best texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can use hummus or yogurt as a dip if you don't have tahini on hand.

→ Can I freeze the chickpeas?

Yes, you can freeze roasted chickpeas! Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.