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Harissa Roasted Cauliflower with Honey-Tahini Sauce and Cottage Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

This Harissa Roasted Cauliflower recipe features tender, caramelized cauliflower florets coated in a spicy harissa paste and olive oil, roasted to perfection. It’s served with a creamy whipped cottage cheese infused with lemon zest and topped with a luscious honey-tahini sauce, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs for a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect as a side or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Harissa Marinade

  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets (about 1 ½ to 2 inches wide; yields about 5 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Whipped Cottage Cheese

  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Honey-Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons water (or more as needed for thinning)

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • Minced fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Optional: sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
  2. Prepare Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Add the cauliflower florets and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the harissa mixture. Arrange the florets in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow for proper roasting and caramelization.
  3. Roast Cauliflower: Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking. The cauliflower should become tender with a nice light char when done.
  4. Whip Cottage Cheese: While the cauliflower roasts, blend 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in a food processor until completely smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil while blending until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside the whipped cottage cheese.
  5. Make Honey-Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Spread a generous layer of the whipped cottage cheese onto each plate or serving platter. Top with the roasted cauliflower florets, then drizzle generously with the honey-tahini sauce. Finish with 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of minced fresh parsley or cilantro, and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use harissa paste with balanced heat to suit your spice preference.
  • Choose medium-sized cauliflower for even roasting.
  • Full-fat cottage cheese delivers a creamier whipped texture.
  • Extra olive oil in both the cauliflower marinade and whipped cheese enhances flavor and richness.
  • The water in the tahini sauce is added gradually to achieve the right consistency.
  • Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Do not overcrowd the cauliflower on the baking sheet; proper spacing ensures caramelization.
  • Flipping the cauliflower halfway is essential for even roasting.
  • Whipping cottage cheese smooths its texture and blends flavors.
  • Adjust salt and lemon zest to taste in the whipped cottage cheese.
  • Honey-tahini sauce can be thinned further if needed with extra water.
  • Use fresh herbs for garnish to add a bright, fresh finish.
  • Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm cauliflower and cool, creamy cheese.

Keywords: harissa cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, middle eastern side dish, whipped cottage cheese, tahini sauce, honey tahini, roasted vegetables

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/harissa-roasted-cauliflower-with-honey-tahini-sauce-and-cottage-cheese-recipe/