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Close-up of harissa roasted cauliflower with whipped cottage cheese, honey-tahini drizzle, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs, served on a blue plate.

Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Roasted cauliflower gets a little upgrade with harissa, whipped cottage cheese, and a drizzle of honey-tahini sauce. The toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs pull it all together for a dish that’s full of flavor but still easy enough for any night of the week.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Author: Sandra

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

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

For the Whipped Cottage Cheese

  • 1 cup cottage cheese preferably full-fat; (Note 3)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Note 4)

For the Honey-Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons tablespoons water or more as needed for thinning (Note 5)

For Topping

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted (Note 6)
  • Minced fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C) and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly (Note 7).
    Arrange the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization (Note 8).
    1 medium cauliflower
  • Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and lightly charred.
  • In a food processor, blend the 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes (Note 9).
    Slowly drizzle in the 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil while blending until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (Note 10).
    Set aside.
  • 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 becomes smooth and pourable (Note 11).
  • Spread a layer of whipped cottage cheese on each plate or serving platter. Top with roasted cauliflower, drizzle generously with honey-tahini sauce, and finish with 2 tablespoons pine nuts, Minced fresh parsley or cilantro, and Optional: sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately (Note 12).

Notes

  1. Cutting the florets to 1 ½–2 inches ensures even roasting. Larger or smaller pieces may roast unevenly.
  2. Milder harissa varieties like Mina Harissa or Trader Joe’s Harissa work well. If using a spicier brand, reduce the amount or balance the heat with extra honey in the tahini sauce.
  3. Full-fat cottage cheese creates the smoothest, creamiest texture. Brands like Good Culture or Nancy’s offer great flavor and probiotic benefits. Low-fat versions can work but may result in a slightly thinner texture.
  4. The olive oil helps create a silky whipped cottage cheese. For a tangier, slightly less creamy version, reduce or omit the oil.
  5. Tahini can thicken and seize when mixed with oil. As you add water, the sauce may temporarily break but will emulsify fully with steady whisking. You may need slightly more than 2 tablespoons depending on the thickness of your tahini.
  6. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant.
  7. Whisking the harissa mixture first ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
  8. Crowding the baking sheet can cause the cauliflower to steam rather than roast. Use two pans if needed.
  9. Blend the cottage cheese for at least 1–2 minutes, depending on your food processor, to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
  10. Cottage cheese brands vary in saltiness. Taste after blending and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  11. If the tahini sauce thickens upon standing, whisk in a few drops of water before serving to loosen the consistency.
  12. For best texture and presentation, assemble just before serving. If preparing ahead, store components separately and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 2mg