Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa and Chermoula

These cauliflower steaks are a delicious combination of flavors that is inspired by North African cuisine. They take the humble cauliflower, and give it a smoky flavor, while also adding a spicy, herbaceous and citrusy taste. This gluten-free, vegan main dish is sure to please! This dish is incredibly easy to make and cook.

Cauliflower has become my inspiration! These cauliflower steaks were surprisingly juicy, tender and comforting! When I first started creating recipes, I didn't think of cauliflower as a main ingredient. But now? I love it!

It's hard to believe that cauliflower, which is bland and tough by itself, can be transformed into a stunning centerpiece. Take, for example, the whole roasted cauliflower topped with lemony whipped Feta. As a satisfying and hearty meat substitute that rivals chicken or beef like our spicy cauliflower Shawarma. After perfecting this recipe for cauliflower steaks, I was convinced. Cauliflower should be a hero-ingredient, and it is!

In this recipe, I brush cauliflower steaks in a smoky, mildly spicy red chili paste called harissa. You can buy it at our store. Then I roast them to a light char, until they are super tender and crispy around the edges.

The golden brown steaks of cauliflower are finished with the chermoula sauce, a North African dressing made from garlic, citrus fruits, spices and fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. If you want to save time, you can either make the chermoula dressing yourself or buy it in a jar.

The sauce is vibrant and fresh. It gives the meal a spiciness, brightness, and herbaceous vibe. I love it!

Cauliflower Steak Ingredients

The wonderful expansion in offerings at local supermarkets allowed me to find the ingredients I needed for this recipe of cauliflower steaks. Many items are available online or at Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African food stores.

Cauliflower Steaks

• Cauliflower : Choose a large, firm cauliflower with tightly packed florets that does not have any browning or imperfections.
• Harissa Paste: A magical sauce made with roasted red peppers and Baklouti Peppers, along with spices and herbs. Rose harissa is also available, which is made from rose petals. This recipe can be made with either standard harissa or rose harissa. You can also make your paste using this simple homemade harissa recipe.
• Garlic : Adds depth to glaze
• Greek yogurtAdds creaminess and helps bind the glaze on the cauliflower. For the best taste, use whole milk.
• Flavor makers:Dried Oregano fragrances the cauliflower steak glazing. Pepper and Salt are used to enhance the flavor. Honey is a good balance for citrus. The lime adds brightness.

Chermoula

Here are the ingredients for the herb-infused sauce that brings life to these cauliflower steaks. You can also substitute any other store-bought variety (like the red chermoula in our shop).

• This vibrant green dressing is made with fresh herbs, including cilantro and Parsley.
• Preserved Lemon:Lemons which have been salted and packed in a jar, then allowed to ferment for a few weeks. You can find them in the international food section or pickle aisle.
• Extra virgin Olive Oil :Loosen the chermoula and use it as a dressing before baking the cauliflower. Extra virgin olive oil is best.
• Spices - Ground cumin and paprika(sweet or smoked), Aleppo add flavor and heat to the dressing. Pepper and salt are used to enhance the other ingredients.
• Lime Creates a citrusy tang that lifts flavors.
• Honey:Balances citrus in the dressing as well as the glaze. Choose a variety of high quality honey, such as our Greek Alfa Honey.

How To Make Cauliflower Steaks

This recipe is made up of two parts: the chermoula sauce and the harissa-marinated cauliflower steaks. How to make it?

• Prepare yourself. Pre-heat your oven to 400degF.
• Prepare the harissa glaze. Add 3 tablespoons harissa paste to a small bowl. Also add 2 minced or crushed garlic cloves. Add the juice from 1/2 a lime, and whisk to combine.
• Dress a cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves of a cauliflower at the base and then cut them into planks that are 1 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Brush each side with harissa glaze.
• Roast the cauliflower. Sprinkle the cauliflower with olive oil, and then bake them on the middle rack for about 30 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
• Start by making the chermoula. (Or, if you prefer, use our favorite jarred version of chermoula). In a food processer fitted with a knife, pulse the leaves and stems from 1 cup cilantro and 1/2 of cup parsley. Add a preserved lemon chopped (discard seeds), 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Also, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of Aleppo. Add the remaining lime half.
• Blend. Pour 1/2 cup olive oil into the food processor while it is running at low speed. As it mixes, keep an eye on it. This should take no time at all. Do not over-process your mixture. Chermoula should not be a liquid sauce. The final product should have some texture. When the flavors seem to have blended, stop your food processor. Adjust the lime juice or seasoning to your liking.
• Remove the tray when the cauliflower steaks have reached the desired level of doneness. Place the cauliflower steaks on your serving plate and spoon the chermoula sauce over the top.

Variations of this Recipe

You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Use red charmoula. Villa Jerada uses sun-dried tomatoes in their version to give it a new layer of flavor. Our shop has it.
• Try out different harissas, like apricot or rose.
• You can change the vegetable. Chermoula and harissa dressing make a beautiful combination. The flavors will still be delicious if you substitute the cauliflower with carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes or butternut squash.

How to store Cauliflower Steaks

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. You can reheat either in the microwave or a medium-sized oven.

What to serve with this Cauliflower Steak Recipe

This dish is great as either a main course surrounded by other vegetarian delights, or as a dish to accompany a meaty main.

Serve the cauliflower steaks with Easy Grilled Vegetable Kabobs and BEST Beet Hummus as a vegetarian center piece. Serve as a side dish with Super Tender Lamb Shanks.

Search all Mediterranean Recipes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Mediterranean diet be gluten-free

Yes, the Mediterranean Food Plan can be made gluten-free. Instead of using whole-grain carbohydrate sources like wheat and barley, you can incorporate gluten-free grains, such as millet (or quinoa), into your meals. Additional gluten-free options include fruits like melon, pears and fresh vegetables as well as legumes, nuts, seeds and nuts. People who are gluten-intolerant or have difficulty digesting dairy products may be able to benefit from lactose free options. Some other ideas that may help could include having porridge instead of oats for breakfast, opting for baked salmon with potatoes or a bean soup for lunch rather than sandwiches on wheat bread, or roasting vegetables with herbs for dinner!

Can I use regular oil instead of extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is not recommended for Mediterranean cuisine. Regular olive oil can be used in place of extra virgin. Though Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is preferred for its higher quality, nutritional benefits, and richer flavor, regular olive oil is still a viable option with its mild flavor profile. Regular olive oil is great for everyday cooking, from stir-frying to roasting vegetables. This oil is cheaper than EVOO. Some even believe it can be used for higher heat applications, such as deep frying. It does not have the same nutrients and positive compounds as EVOO so make sure to get these benefits from other areas of your diet.

Can I drink alcohol while on the Mediterranean diet

Yes, alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation as part a Mediterranean diet. Women should drink no more than 1 glass per day and men should have 2 glasses. Dry wines, beer and spirits made with only natural ingredients such brandy vodka, whiskey or gin are acceptable beverages. High sugar cocktails and heavy spirits should be avoided. Incorporating water or herbal teas into your daily diet can help you stay hydrated and reduce your desire for sugary drinks.

Statistics

• Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
• Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

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• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• Best Diets Overall 2023 Expertly Reviewed – US News Health

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• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet? American Heart Association

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• (PDF). The Association Between Dietary Patterns AND Insulin Resistance: Systematic Review


• (PDF) Citrus as a component of the Mediterranean diet

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• Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of the Mediterranean Diet - PubMed


• PubMed: Cardiovascular Health and The Mediterranean Diet - PubMed

How To

How Does the Mediterranean Diet Supports Brain Health and Reduces Cognitive Decline?

The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats while low in red meat and added sugar. It has been linked to many health benefits - including better brain health. Research shows that the Mediterranean Diet may reduce dementia risk and slow age-related cognitive loss. It may be beneficial for mood disorders as well as protecting against aging-related oxygen damage.

Numerous aspects of the Mediterranean Diet support brain health as well as cognitive decline. The greatest benefit is from eating large quantities of antioxidant-rich plants such as fruits, vegetables and other foods. These nutrients provide vital vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy neurological functioning. Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil can help maintain healthy levels of omega-3, which is crucial for optimal brain function. Additionally, limiting processed carbs may improve mental clarity. They stabilize blood glucose levels throughout a day and lower inflammation associated with chronic illnesses like stroke or Alzheimer's.

A Mediterranean-style diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, whole grains, plenty of olive oil, good fats and occasional red wine will help you maintain adequate nutrition for cognitive decline. Regular physical activity at a moderate intensity will help increase serotonin production which in turn supports mental well-being. These tips combined can help increase your chances of maintaining a good mental and physical health throughout life.

Resources:

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