Harissa Roasted Cauliflower: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Spicy: Harissa adds a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the roasted cauliflower’s natural sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a deliciously flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Crispy and Tender: The cauliflower gets crispy on the edges while staying tender inside—perfectly balanced texture.
Vegan-Friendly: This dish is naturally vegan and can be enjoyed by anyone looking for plant-based meal options.
Customizable: Adjust the level of heat by using more or less harissa, or add other spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons harissa paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tahini sauce (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower

In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, ensuring that all the florets are well coated.

3. Mix in Seasonings

Add the harissa paste, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the cauliflower. Mix thoroughly until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the harissa and spices.

4. Roast the Cauliflower

Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and crispy on the edges. Stir halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking.

5. Finish with Lemon Juice

Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.

6. Plate the Dish

Transfer the harissa roasted cauliflower to a serving platter. Drizzle tahini sauce over the top for an extra layer of richness.

7. Garnish

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor.

Notes

Tahini Sauce: For a smoother tahini sauce, you can add a bit of warm water to thin it out, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance its tang.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less harissa paste or choose a milder variety of harissa.
Serving Ideas: Serve this dish as a main for a light meal or as a side dish to complement roasted meats or grains like quinoa or couscous.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Leftover roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the cauliflower crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes! You can use broccoli or carrots as a substitute for cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different vegetables.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! You can increase the amount of harissa paste or add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the recipe to ramp up the heat.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the cauliflower and season it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to roast. It’s best served fresh, but you can also store leftovers for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious, bold-flavored dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s a fantastic addition to any meal. The smoky, spicy harissa and creamy tahini sauce complement the cauliflower perfectly, making this dish a must-try. So, fire up your oven and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this easy, healthy recipe today!

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients