Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Recipe

If you want to elevate your veggie game, this *Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey* might just become your new kitchen darling! With its aromatic spices and rich tahini drizzle, this dish delivers a punch of flavor that’s incredibly hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of harissa and tahini-honey creates a harmonious blend of spice and sweetness.
  • Versatile Use: Perfect as a main vegetarian dish or as a sumptuous side, it adapts to any menu plan.
  • Easy and Quick: Spend less than an hour from start to finish with simple steps and common ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic makers in this delightful Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey. These staples come together to dazzle your taste buds and offer vibrant colors and textures.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances the flavors while helping the cauliflower achieve a wonderful roast.
  • Harissa: This North African spice gives that bold kick, ensuring each bite is packed with warmth.
  • Cauliflower: The humble hero, offering a great base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
  • Tahini: Provides a creamy texture that partners perfectly with the honey for that unbeatable drizzle.
  • Honey: Blossoms with natural sweetness, beautifully balancing the savory spices.
  • Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish, lifting all the flavors effortlessly.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable! Let your culinary creativity shine by adjusting according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

  • Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the amount of harissa based on your spice preference; less for mild, more for a fiery kick!
  • Alternate Dressings: Try using a yogurt-based dressing for a milder, tangy twist if tahini isn’t your thing.
  • Different Veggies: Try swapping cauliflower with Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a different texture and taste.

How to Make Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine part of your oil with salt and half of the harissa. Toss the cauliflower florets until they’re well coated, ensuring every bit is covered in that flavorful mix.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Spread your seasoned cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, giving it a toss halfway through. For that irresistible caramelization and char, you’ll add the remaining harissa and bake for just a few more minutes.

Step 3: Mixing the Tahini-Honey Dressing

While your cauliflower is roasting, whisk together the remaining olive oil, tahini, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add a bit of water to achieve your desired consistency—light and smooth works best!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the cauliflower is ready, transfer it to a platter and drizzle generously with your tahini-honey concoction. A spritz of lemon juice right before serving adds a final touch of zesty brightness!

Pro Tips for Making Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey

  • Optimal Roasting: Always preheat your oven to ensure the cauliflower roasts evenly and develops that perfect char.
  • Dress to Impress: Prepare the tahini-honey dressing ahead of time to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Balance the Heat: Use honey not just for sweetness but also to balance the spicy harissa, enhancing even the subtle notes.
  • Chopped Freshness: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a colorful finish and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey

Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to bring out the vibrant colors and add a pop of freshness that complements each rich bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a warm couscous salad or a bowl of creamy hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread. These sides highlight the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Create an enticing display by serving the cauliflower on a large platter, drizzling with tahini-honey and scattering pomegranate seeds for a festive and colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, ready for a quick reheat when you need a snack any time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, skip the dressing and freeze the roasted cauliflower alone. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and dress freshly for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add fresh drizzle of tahini-honey before serving to renew its delicious balance.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different spice if I don’t have harissa?

    Absolutely! While harissa provides a unique depth, you can substitute with smoked paprika or a mix of cayenne and red pepper flakes for a similar spicy-sweet profile.

  2. What if I don’t like tahini?

    If tahini isn’t your favorite, try replacing it with a creamy yogurt sauce. Just mix yogurt with a bit of honey and lemon juice for a lighter alternative.

  3. Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

    Yes, by substituting honey with agave syrup or maple syrup, you can easily transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly version without losing its sweetness.

  4. What’s the best way to avoid soggy cauliflower?

    To keep your cauliflower crisp, make sure to spread it out evenly on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate efficiently.

Final Thoughts

This *Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey* is not just a feast for your taste buds but a delightful culinary journey waiting in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try—you’re sure to fall in love with every spicy-sweet, perfectly charred bite!

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Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Recipe

Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Description

This roasted Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey sauce offers a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The cauliflower is roasted to perfection with harissa and olive oil, then drizzled with a creamy tahini-honey dressing, making it an excellent side dish or vegetarian main accompanied by fresh herbs and lemon for a bright finish.


Ingredients

For the Roasted Cauliflower

  • 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 4 Tbsp. mild harissa, divided
  • 1 large head cauliflower, trimmed and sliced into florets (about 7 to 8 cups)

For the Tahini-Honey Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp. tahini
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. water (to thin sauce, as needed)

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Set the oven to the specified temperature to ensure it is hot enough to roast the cauliflower properly.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower. In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbsp. of olive oil, 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. of harissa; mix well to create a coated mixture. Toss the cauliflower florets in this mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Roast the cauliflower. Spread the coated cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and slightly charred.
  4. Add more harissa and finish roasting. Remove from the oven, toss the cauliflower with remaining 2 Tbsp. of harissa, and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until caramelized and charred in spots.
  5. Prepare the Tahini-Honey Sauce. While cauliflower is baking, whisk together remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil, tahini, honey, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Finish and serve. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle generously with the tahini-honey sauce, then squeeze the remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Adjust the amount of harissa for more or less heat according to your preference.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with agave syrup.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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