Let cauliflower be cauliflower!
Cauliflower florets, harissa, fresh lime, extra virgin olive oil, fine sea salt, and fresh oregano. Not made into pizza crust, gnocchi, rice, or tater tots.
I just read a “sushi” recipe where the gal combined ground up cauliflower with cream cheese for the sushi “rice” to create a low carb sushi roll. Pretty sure Jiro Ono (of Jiro Dreams of Sushi) would be shaking his chopsticks in the air at this one, so I thought I’d post a simple recipe that lets the cauliflower just be its’ awesome self
Cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious cruciferous veggie packed with anti-cancer nutrients
Cruciferous veggies contain a compound called sulforaphane that help our bodies eliminate carcinogens by supporting our natural detox systems – So load up on your cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and bok choy
Cauliflower is also rich in fiber, folate vitamin C and K, plus antioxidants and phytonutrients
This harissa cauliflower packs a punch, comes together in minutes, and is roasted on a sheet pan for a no fuss side, and quick clean up
Harissa Cauliflower Ingredients
Cauliflower – Choose a head that is compact, free of brown spots on the florets, and feels heavy for its’ size. Trim the root end, and peel and discard any leaves from the bottom. If there are any brown spots, trim and discard. Don’t throw that stem out! This dish has cauliflower cut into large pieces, and the middle stem is edible
Harissa – Is a paste used in North African and Middle Eastern Cuisine. You can buy it in a paste, or in a powder, as I am using in this recipe. If you prefer to buy the paste and skip the ingredients below, you can toss the cauliflower in the paste, and transfer straight into the oven. I happen to have the powder in my pantry, so that’s my go to at the moment. The powder is also nice for meat rubs, and as a garnish for eggs and hummus
Fine Sea Salt – If you are using a harissa paste – skip the salt because it’s already baked in. If you use a powder, like I am, check your ingredients to see if the manufacturer added salt so you can adjust your recipe. Mine is salt free, so I’m adding a generous pinch to my cauliflower
Fresh Lime – This will give a nice freshness to the dish and cut through some of the spice
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Will help the harissa powder stick to the cauliflower, and render the roasted cauliflower tender
Fresh Oregano – This is totally optional, but complimentary to the flavors, and lends a little earthiness and color pop
Here are more of my favorite recipes using cauliflower:
Green Bean Cauliflower Dijon Salad is perfect for a summer backyard BBQ
Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Whipped Ricotta makes for a stunning presentation for parties
How to Make Easy Harissa Cauliflower Recipe and Instagram Tutorial
Ingredients
Medium head of cauliflower, trimmed, cut into large florets
1 tbsp (or more if you like spice) harissa powder
Generous pinch fine sea salt
Juice of 1 lime
Glug of good extra virgin olive oil
Fresh oregano (optional)
Procedure
Preheat oven to 350°F convection roast if you have it
Place cauliflower florets on a parchment lined baking sheet
Sprinkle with harissa, then salt, then squeeze lime on top
Drizzle with olive oil, toss, and sprinkle with fresh oregano if using
Bake on center rack until cooked through and caramelized, for about 30 minutes, and enjoy!
