Description
Roasted Harissa Cauliflower is a vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful blend of harissa paste, garlic, and spices, then roasted to golden perfection. This vegan recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes, making it ideal as a side or topping over grains for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Harissa Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the harissa spice mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space for even roasting.
- Roast Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are tender, golden brown, and have crispy edges.
- Optional Broiling: For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for the last 2–3 minutes of roasting, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish or over grains for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of harissa paste according to your spice tolerance, using mild or spicy varieties.
- Broiling the cauliflower for a few minutes at the end of roasting will increase crispiness.
- This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
