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Easy Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Recipe for a Healthy Side Dish
katya bou

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender cauliflower florets infused with smoky, spicy North African harissa paste, roasted to perfect caramelization. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it's simple yet sophisticated and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive Thanksgiving meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: Mediterranean, North African
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower about 2-2.5 lbs (1 kg), cut into 1-inch florets
Harissa Paste
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste adjust to spice preference (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin adds earthy warmth
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, for best flavor
Optional Ingredients
  • fresh parsley or cilantro roughly chopped, for garnish
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced, optional for extra aroma
  • sesame seeds or crushed pistachios optional, for texture and visual appeal

Equipment

  • oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • - Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cut cauliflower into uniform 1-inch florets, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic if using, until smooth.
  4. Add the dried cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each floret evenly with the harissa marinade.
  5. Spread the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to prevent steaming.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until starting to caramelize. Remove and flip florets using a spatula for even browning.
  7. Return baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is tender-crisp, caramelized, and slightly charred on edges.
  8. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds or pistachios. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and can be customized by adjusting harissa spice level or adding sweeteners like maple syrup for a balanced sweet and spicy flavor.
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