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Experience the vibrant flavors of Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey, a dish that perfectly balances spice and sweetness. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional roasted cauliflower, infused with the rich, smoky notes of harissa and the smooth, creamy texture of tahini. Whether you’re looking for a standout side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, this Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey is sure to impress.
I first discovered this recipe during a trip to Morocco, where the bustling markets and aromatic spices inspired me to recreate the magic at home. The combination of honey and harissa might seem unusual, but trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. This dish has since become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to add a touch of exotic flair to my meals.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey recipe. It’s time to preheat your oven and gather your ingredients!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure to preheat your oven to 425°F. This ensures that your Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey will roast evenly and develop those delicious caramelized edges. Also, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 4 Tbsp., divided |
| Kosher salt | 3/4 tsp., divided |
| Mild harissa | 4 Tbsp., divided (such as Mina brand) |
| Cauliflower | 1 large head, trimmed and sliced into florets (about 7 to 8 cups) |
| Tahini | 2 Tbsp. |
| Honey | 1 Tbsp. |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 Tbsp., divided |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp. |
| Fresh chopped parsley | For garnish (optional) |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbsp. of the oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 Tbsp. Harissa; mix well.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to evenly coat with the harissa mixture.
- Spread the coated cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with the remaining 2 Tbsp. harissa; bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until caramelized and charred in some spots.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Tahini-Honey sauce by combining the remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil, tahini, honey, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and black pepper; stir with a whisk.
- Whisk in 1 Tbsp. water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a bowl or serving platter.
- Drizzle the cauliflower with the tahini-honey sauce, and squeeze the remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon juice over the top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure to toss the cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and caramelization. If you prefer a milder spice level, you can reduce the amount of harissa used. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or enjoy cold.
For more delicious ideas, check out this Cauliflower Chicken Soup Quick Healthy Dinner recipe.
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Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey is a show-stopping side dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Roasted until golden and crispy edges form, the tender florets are tossed in an aromatic blend of cumin and cinnamon, then finished with a sticky garlic-honey glaze. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, it brings the vibrant taste of the souk to your dinner table.
Ingredients
— The Cauliflower —
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
— The Honey Glaze —
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Harissa paste (optional, for a spicy kick) or a pinch of cayenne
— Garnish —
¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
¼ cup toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well until they are evenly coated in the spiced oil.
3. Roast: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the florets are tender and the edges are browned and crispy.
4. Make Glaze: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Harissa paste (if using) in a small bowl.
5. Caramelize: Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Drizzle the honey glaze evenly over the hot florets and toss gently on the pan to coat. Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes. *Watch closely so the honey bubbles but does not burn.*
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish immediately with fresh cilantro (or mint) and toasted almonds for crunch. Serve warm.
Notes
Spice Blend: If you have ‘Ras el Hanout’ (a Moroccan spice blend) in your pantry, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of it for the individual dry spices listed.
Vegan Option: Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Serving Suggestion: This makes a fantastic side for grilled chicken, lamb, or served over quinoa for a vegetarian main.
Texture: For maximum crispiness, ensure the cauliflower is completely dry after washing before tossing it with the oil.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
- While fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, this Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey.
Dig In & Enjoy!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Moroccan Cauliflower with Honey, it’s time to dig in and savor every bite. The combination of spicy harissa and sweet honey creates a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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