Hello, foodies! I’m Khaled Al-Dosari, and I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, a country with a rich food culture, where meals are often shared family affairs. Food has always been an important part of my life, and I was exposed to many traditional dishes that are still close to my heart today. Being a devout vegetarian, I am always looking for new exciting recipes to add to my repertoire, and the Harissa Cauliflower Steaks recipe certainly fits the bill. Cauliflower is a staple vegetable in many Middle Eastern dishes, and the addition of harissa and smoked paprika creates a unique twist on a traditional favorite. I can’t wait to share my version of this spicy roasted delight with all of you!
Khaled is a passionate traveler and avid foodie from the Arabian Peninsula. He loves discovering new recipes from around the world and putting his own spin on them. When he’s not cooking or traveling, you can find him reading or practicing calligraphy.
Khaled Al-Dosari currently resides in the United States and grew up in Saudi Arabia.
Harissa Cauliflower Steaks originated in North Africa, specifically from Tunisia, where harissa, a spicy mixture of red peppers and spices, is a key ingredient in many dishes. The recipe is simple yet flavorful, allowing the cauliflower to take center stage. To add a bit of complexity and depth, we use a combination of smoked paprika and garlic powder, which complement the spicy kick from the harissa. The idea of creating cauliflower ‘steaks’ may have originated from the vegan and vegetarian community as a way to elevate the familiar vegetable into a more substantial entree. It’s a brilliant way to showcase the versatility of cauliflower and how it can be transformed into a delicious and visually appealing dish.
National Vegetarian Day is October 1st, and what better way to celebrate than with the Harissa Cauliflower Steaks recipe! The vegetarian and vegan community has been growing in the US, and more people are opting for plant-based meals for various reasons. Not only is this recipe vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a dish that will satisfy even the most passionate carnivores. The recipe can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, making it perfect for a summer bbq or a cozy dinner at home. So why not try something new on National Vegetarian Day and give this tasty recipe a shot? Trust me, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
What you need
If you’re a veggie enthusiast like me, you’ll love this recipe for Harissa Cauliflower Steaks: Spicy Roasted Delight. Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also loaded with flavor and spice that will leave your taste buds singing. The dish is centered around the humble cauliflower, which is transformed into ‘steaks’ and coated in a mixture of harissa, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for added depth. After a quick roast in the oven, the cauliflower emerges perfectly tender on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp outer layer. The dish is simple to pull together, with just five main ingredients, and can be served as a vegetarian main course or as a flavorful side dish. Pair it with a simple salad or some grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower – Cauliflower serves as the ‘steak’ in this recipe, with its sturdy texture and mild flavor. Can be swapped for eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
- Harissa – Harissa is a Middle Eastern chili paste that brings a spicy and smoky flavor to this dish. Can be swapped for sriracha or hot sauce.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is used to coat the cauliflower steaks and helps them crisp up in the oven. Can be swapped for any other vegetable oil.
- Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor and a bit of smokiness to the cauliflower steaks. Can be swapped for regular paprika.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish. Can be swapped for minced fresh garlic.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of the ingredients and balances out the spice from the harissa. Can be adjusted to taste.
Utensils:
- Baking Sheet – Required
- Parchment Paper – Optional. Can be substituted with cooking spray.
- Mixing Bowl – Required
- Whisk – Required. Can be substituted with fork.
- Chef’s Knife – Required. Used for cutting the cauliflower into ‘steaks’.
- Cutting Board – Required. Used for cutting the cauliflower.
Cauliflower: A Versatile and Nutritious Vegetable
As a self-proclaimed veggie enthusiast, I have always appreciated the versatility of cauliflower in vegetarian and vegan cooking. Not only is it mild in flavor, but it also provides a hearty texture to dishes. Cauliflower is also very nutritious, loaded with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and potassium. It’s a great source of dietary fiber and low in calories. What’s interesting about this recipe, in particular, is that the cauliflower is cut into ‘steaks’ as a main course, rather than being mixed into a side dish. It’s a great way to showcase the vegetable and its meaty texture.
Harissa: A Fiery Flavor From North Africa
Harissa is a spicy and smoky chili paste that originates from North Africa. As a lover of all things spicy, I was excited to see it being used in this recipe. Not only does it add heat and depth to the dish, but it also brings a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the roasted cauliflower. Harissa can be found in most grocery stores these days, but if you can’t locate it, you can substitute it with sriracha or hot sauce. One thing to note is that harissa is usually quite high in sodium, so it’s best to use it in moderation. However, I believe that a little bit of spice can go a long way in flavoring a dish, and in this case, it adds a fun and exciting twist to a simple roasted vegetable dish.
What to serve it with?
For me, Harissa Cauliflower Steaks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, but one of my favorite pairings is a simple quinoa salad. The earthy and nutty flavor of quinoa serves as a perfect canvas for the spicy and smoky cauliflower steak. I like to mix the quinoa with some diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a touch of lemon juice and olive oil. The salad adds some freshness and crunch to the meal, and the protein from the quinoa helps to make the dish more filling. This pairing is particularly dear to me because it embraces the idea of a hearty vegetarian meal that is also healthy and nutritious. It’s a meal that leaves you feeling full and energized, perfect for a busy day or a post-workout refuel.
Summary
There you have it, foodies! My take on the Harissa Cauliflower Steaks recipe that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger pangs. I hope you enjoyed learning about the cultural background of the recipe and how it has evolved over time. Now it’s your turn to weigh in – what’s your favorite way to serve these tasty cauliflower steaks? Do you prefer a side dish or a main course? And have you ever tried pairing it with quinoa salad? Share your thoughts and comments below, I can’t wait to hear from you! Thanks for reading and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Harissa Cauliflower Steaks: Spicy Roasted Delight for Veggie Enthusiasts
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- chef's knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 large head Cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons Harissa
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet - Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. - Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cauliflower on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower - Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, so you are left with just the head. Place the cauliflower core-side down on a cutting board and slice it in half. Then, slice each half in 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick 'steaks'. - If you're having difficulty slicing the cauliflower 'steaks', you can also use your hands to break the cauliflower into large bite-sized florets instead.
- Mix the Spices and Oil - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. - Make sure to whisk the mixture well to ensure each cauliflower steak is evenly coated in the spiced oil.
- Coat the Cauliflower with Spiced Oil - Place each cauliflower steak in the mixing bowl of spiced oil and use a spoon or brush to generously coat each one. - It's important to make sure each cauliflower steak is coated well with the spiced oil to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Roast the Cauliflower Steaks - Place the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is tender and both sides are browned and crispy. - Make sure to flip the cauliflower steaks gently halfway through cooking to avoid breaking them apart.
- Serve and Enjoy - Serve the cauliflower steaks immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. - These spicy harissa cauliflower steaks can be served as a main course with a side salad or rice, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
