Turmeric Harissa Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Mint Yogurt and Crispy Chickpeas
Get ready to transform humble cauliflower into a flavor-packed masterpiece! This dish brings smoky harissa, golden turmeric, zesty yogurt, and crispy chickpeas together for a vibrant, satisfying meal. It's bold, bright, and seriously delicious—let's get roasting!
4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- •1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 tablespoon harissa paste
- •1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •Salt to taste
- •1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- •1 tablespoon olive oil (for chickpeas)
- •1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- •3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- •1 teaspoon lemon zest
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- •1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- •Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- •Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, harissa paste, ground turmeric, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the spices.
- 3
Spread the spiced cauliflower florets in a single layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
In the same bowl, combine the drained chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then spread the chickpeas on the other side of the baking sheet.
- 5
Roast the cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and lightly charred and the chickpeas are crispy.
- 6
While the cauliflower and chickpeas are roasting, prepare the lemon mint yogurt. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh mint, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 7
Once the cauliflower and chickpeas are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- 8
To serve, spread the lemon mint yogurt on a serving platter. Arrange the roasted cauliflower on top, followed by the crispy chickpeas.
- 9
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories
240 calories
Protein
8g
Carbs
28g
Fat
12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them roast properly and achieve a nice char without becoming soggy.
Q: What can I substitute for harissa paste?
A: If you don't have harissa paste, you can substitute it with a mix of red chili paste, smoked paprika, and a touch of cumin for a similar flavor. Alternatively, sriracha can be used for a spicy kick, though it will lack the smoky, earthy notes of harissa.
Q: How do I ensure the chickpeas turn out crispy?
A: To get crispy chickpeas, make sure they are completely dry before tossing them with oil and spices. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding, and stir them halfway through roasting for even crispiness.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free or vegan by replacing the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt. Just ensure the yogurt has a neutral flavor that complements the lemon and mint.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate from the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheat the cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would pair well with the spices in this recipe. Cut them into similar-sized pieces as the cauliflower florets to ensure even roasting.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
A: To reduce the spice level, use less harissa paste and omit the crushed red pepper flakes in the yogurt sauce. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of harissa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cauliflower spice mix.
Make This Recipe Your Own
AI Chef Assistant
Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef
Smart Scaling
Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs
Ingredient Swaps
Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions
Search for "Turmeric Harissa Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Mint Yogurt and Crispy Chickpeas" in the DigiDish app to get started!
More Recipes You'll Love
Get ready to spice up your table! This Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney is a flavor-packed blend of sweet, tangy, and zes...
Fire up your grill and grab your appetite because this Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl is a flavor-packed party! Sweet,...
Get ready to fire up the grill! This zesty citrus-marinated chicken hits all the right notes—juicy, tender, and bursting...
Get ready to fire up your taste buds! This Smoky Corn Chowder brings together sweet corn, bold roasted Hatch chiles, and...
Ready to wow your taste buds? These Crispy Halloumi Bites are golden, salty perfection, paired with a refreshing Waterme...