Harissa Cauliflower with Tahini Dill
Harissa Cauliflower with Tahini Dill is a bold and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines the smoky heat of harissa with the creamy richness of tahini and the freshness of dill. Roasted cauliflower absorbs the spices beautifully, creating a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect as a side, main, or even a snack. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: Smoky, spicy harissa paired with creamy tahini and fresh dill.
- Healthy and nutritious: Cauliflower is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, salad topping, or vegetarian main.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This recipe is quick, healthy, and full of bold flavors. The roasted cauliflower develops a slightly charred sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the smoky harissa and creamy tahini sauce. Fresh dill adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates every bite.
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Time Breakdown
Cauliflower is packed with fiber and antioxidants, while tahini provides healthy fats and protein. Combined with olive oil and minimal sweetener, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a wholesome way to enjoy bold flavors without heaviness.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients: cauliflower, harissa paste, tahini, lemon, and fresh dill. A few pantry staples are transformed into a bold, creamy, and aromatic dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Having a concise grocery list ensures stress-free shopping. With cauliflower, harissa, tahini, lemon, and fresh dill, you can prepare this bold, flavorful dish in minutes. Optional sesame seeds add a finishing touch.
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Harissa paste
- Salt and pepper
- Tahini
- Lemon
- Maple syrup or honey
- Fresh dill
- Optional: sesame seeds
How to Make – Step by Step
Roasting cauliflower with harissa enhances its natural sweetness, while a drizzle of tahini dill sauce adds creaminess and freshness. The cooking process is simple yet transforms ordinary ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful dish.
- Preheat oven: Set to 425°F (220°C).
- Season cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, harissa paste, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast for 18–20 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Prepare tahini dill sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, and chopped dill. Add water a teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle tahini dill sauce over roasted cauliflower and garnish with additional dill or toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
The dish is versatile. You can substitute broccoli or Brussels sprouts for cauliflower, use parsley or cilantro instead of dill, or adjust the harissa for your preferred spice level. Tahini can also be replaced with cashew cream or Greek yogurt.
- Spice adjustment: Reduce or increase harissa for desired heat level.
- Veggie alternatives: Broccoli or Brussels sprouts can be roasted instead of cauliflower.
- Herb variations: Parsley or cilantro can replace dill for a different flavor.
- Tahini alternatives: Greek yogurt or cashew cream can substitute for a creamy drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a side with grilled proteins, add to grain bowls, or pair with warm flatbread for a vegetarian main. Its bold flavors make it suitable for casual meals or festive occasions.
- Serve as a side with grilled meats, tofu, or fish.
- Add to grain bowls with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm flatbread or pita for a light lunch or snack.
Storing Tips
Store roasted cauliflower and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower gently to retain crispness, and drizzle the tahini sauce fresh before serving.
- Leftovers: Store roasted cauliflower and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat cauliflower in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness; drizzle tahini sauce fresh before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper roasting. Don’t overcook the cauliflower, as it should remain tender with crisp edges. Evenly coat the florets in harissa to ensure consistent flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Roast cauliflower in a single layer to achieve caramelization.
- Overcooking: Avoid letting cauliflower become mushy; it should be tender with slightly crisp edges.
- Skipping seasoning: Harissa needs to be evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Chef’s Special Tips
Pat cauliflower dry before roasting for the best texture, toast sesame seeds for extra flavor, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness. Try roasting other vegetables in harissa for variety.
- Pat cauliflower dry before roasting to enhance crispiness.
- Toast sesame seeds for added nutty flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Experiment with roasting other vegetables in harissa for variety.
Conclusion
Harissa Cauliflower with Tahini Dill is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dish that brings smoky, spicy, and creamy elements together in perfect harmony. Perfect as a side, salad topping, or vegetarian main, it’s a simple yet impressive dish to serve any time of year.