Name: Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili sauce (like Sriracha or Gochujang); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 ripe avocado; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative); Juice of 1/2 lime; 2 tablespoons water (or more, to desired consistency); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large tortillas or wraps; Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, pickled onions

Why Make This Recipe

Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wraps are not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. They combine the hearty texture of roasted cauliflower with protein-rich chickpeas, making them filling and satisfying. The zesty chili lime flavor adds a bright kick that makes these wraps exciting to eat. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a great choice for a quick lunch or dinner.

How to Make Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower: Choose a firm, white head of cauliflower, free from blemishes. A large head will yield approximately 6-8 cups of florets, perfect for this recipe. Cauliflower forms the hearty base of our wrap, offering a satisfying bite and a wealth of nutrients.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits. It helps the cauliflower roast beautifully, adding a subtle richness and preventing it from drying out. You can substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil if preferred.
1 teaspoon chili powder: This provides a foundational warmth and subtle spice to the cauliflower. Ensure your chili powder is fresh for the best flavor. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly, or for extra heat, use a spicier chili powder blend.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Ground cumin adds an earthy and smoky depth that complements the chili powder and cauliflower perfectly. It enhances the overall savory profile of the roasted vegetables.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient way to infuse the cauliflower with a savory garlic flavor. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute with 2 cloves of minced garlic, added to the cauliflower along with the olive oil.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the cauliflower and other spices. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results. Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle bite and complexity to the roasted cauliflower.
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained: Chickpeas are the protein powerhouse of this wrap, adding substance and a creamy texture. Rinsing and draining them removes excess sodium and canning liquid, improving the flavor. You can also cook your own chickpeas from dried, if preferred.
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Red onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the creaminess of the chickpeas and adds a delightful crunch. Finely dicing ensures it distributes evenly in the chickpea mixture.
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavor that is essential to the chili-lime profile of this dish. Make sure to use fresh cilantro, as dried cilantro will not provide the same bright taste.
Juice of 2 limes: Fresh lime juice is key to the zesty and refreshing flavor of the chickpeas. It brightens the entire dish and complements the chili spices beautifully. Use fresh limes for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always superior.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps to coat the chickpeas, adding richness and flavor. It also helps to soften the red onion slightly.
1 tablespoon chili sauce (like Sriracha or Gochujang): Chili sauce provides a significant kick of heat and flavor to the chickpeas. Choose your preferred chili sauce based on your spice preference and flavor profile.
1 teaspoon chili powder: This reinforces the chili flavor and adds another layer of warmth to the chickpeas, complementing the chili powder used on the cauliflower.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Cumin mirrors the spice in the cauliflower, creating a cohesive flavor profile throughout the wrap.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory notes of the chickpeas and ties in with the garlic in the roasted cauliflower.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt seasons the chickpeas and balances the acidity of the lime juice and the heat of the chili sauce. Adjust to taste.
1 ripe avocado: A ripe avocado is crucial for a creamy and smooth crema. It should be soft to the touch but not mushy. Avocado adds healthy fats, creaminess, and a cooling element that balances the spice in the wrap.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative): Greek yogurt adds tanginess and lightness to the crema. You can substitute with sour cream or a vegan yogurt alternative.
Juice of 1/2 lime: Lime juice brightens the avocado crema and prevents it from browning.
2 tablespoons water (or more, to desired consistency): Water helps to thin the crema to the desired consistency. Add more or less to achieve your preferred thickness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt seasons the avocado crema and enhances its flavor. Adjust to taste.
4 large tortillas or wraps: Choose your favorite type of wraps. Whole wheat tortillas add fiber, while spinach wraps add color and subtle flavor. Gluten-free wraps are available for those with dietary restrictions.
Optional toppings: Consider adding shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, pickled onions, or any other desired toppings to customize your wraps further. These add extra crunch, freshness, and flavor.

Directions

Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
Prepare the Chili Lime Chickpeas: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, chili sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Make the Avocado Crema (Optional): In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, water, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
Assemble the Wraps: Spread the chickpea mixture and roasted cauliflower on your wraps. Drizzle with avocado crema and add any additional toppings you like. Roll the wrap tightly and slice in half.

How to Serve Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap

Serve your wraps with a side of fresh veggies, chips, or a small salad. A sprinkle of extra lime juice enhances the flavors even more. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack on the go.

How to Store Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The components can also be stored separately to maintain freshness. If you have assembled wraps, they may become soggy over time, so it’s best to store ingredients separately until ready to eat.

Tips to Make Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap

Use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your spices are old, consider replacing them.
Allow the roasted cauliflower to cool slightly before assembling the wraps, so it doesn’t make the tortillas soggy.
Customize your wraps with your favorite ingredients or toppings.

Variation

Feel free to swap out chickpeas for lentils or black beans if you prefer. You can also add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan yogurt alternative for the crema and enjoy this recipe entirely plant-based.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on the amount of chili powder and chili sauce you use. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the cauliflower and prepare the chickpeas in advance. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to enjoy them for the freshest taste.