Harissa Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini: A Flavorful Vegan True Food Kitchen Copycat

Experience the magic of harissa roasted cauliflower, baked to perfection, generously coated in a luscious tahini sauce, and finished with a vibrant medley of fresh herbs, tart cranberries, and crunchy hazelnuts. This exquisite dish is perfect as a show-stopping appetizer or a delightful side!

For those who have followed my culinary adventures, it’s no secret that I harbor a profound obsession with the Charred Cauliflower from True Food Kitchen. That restaurant staple offers an unparalleled symphony of flavors and textures that always leaves me craving more. Each bite delivers the ideal combination: tender, perfectly roasted cauliflower, generously enveloped in a cool yet subtly spicy harissa tahini sauce, and then crowned with a medley of dried fruit, chopped nuts, and bright, aromatic herbs.

The deliciousness is undeniable. However, constantly ordering takeout whenever a cauliflower craving struck wasn’t sustainable. So, I finally took matters into my own hands, determined to create a homemade variation that captured the essence of the original, perhaps even surpassing it. And I’m thrilled to report, I’ve done it!

I genuinely believe my rendition might even be better than the original. Perhaps it’s the satisfaction of creating something so spectacular right in my own kitchen, or the ability to fine-tune the sauce to my exact preference and customize the toppings. The control over ingredients and flavors truly elevates this dish. In fact, I love it so much that I enthusiastically volunteered to prepare this Harissa Roasted Cauliflower for my family’s Thanksgiving feast last year. It was an absolute hit, proving its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal!

My unique twist on this beloved dish incorporates buttery hazelnuts for a rich, nutty crunch and tart cranberries that burst with bright flavor, adding a beautiful contrast to the savory elements. This Harissa Roasted Cauliflower has quickly become my new go-to appetizer *and* side dish for any gathering or even a simple weeknight meal. It’s truly that good, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

This recipe isn’t just a delicious copycat; it’s a culinary experience designed to impress. Here’s why you’ll want to make this dish again and again:

Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of earthy roasted cauliflower, spicy-creamy harissa tahini, sweet-tart cranberries, and rich hazelnuts creates a truly dynamic taste sensation. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving this perfect balance.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrient-rich cauliflower, healthy fats from tahini and avocado oil, and antioxidants from cranberries, this dish is as good for you as it tastes. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve it as an appetizer for a party or a side dish for a holiday meal, this cauliflower always receives rave reviews. It’s unique enough to stand out but universally appealing.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this impressive dish in under an hour.
Highly Customizable: While my chosen toppings of cranberries and hazelnuts are fantastic, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or fresh herbs to make it your own.

What You Need to Make Perfectly Roasted Cauliflower

Achieving perfectly roasted cauliflower is the first and most crucial step in this recipe. The high heat transforms the florets, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating those irresistible charred, crispy edges. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet essential component:

cauliflower
avocado oil
Himalayan sea salt
black pepper

That’s all it takes to lay the foundation for a truly spectacular dish!

How to Roast Cauliflower for This True Food Kitchen Copycat

Let’s dive into creating that signature charred cauliflower texture that makes this dish so addictive. The key is high heat and proper seasoning to ensure beautiful caramelization and tenderness.

First, preheat your oven to a robust 425°F. This high temperature is vital for achieving that desired char and crispy exterior. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. I always recommend using a large head of cauliflower for this recipe; you’ll want plenty to go around once everyone tastes it!

Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with avocado oil. Avocado oil is a fantastic choice here due to its high smoke point, which tolerates the high oven temperature without burning. Add a generous pinch of Himalayan sea salt and black pepper. Don’t worry about over-seasoning at this stage; the true depth of flavor will come from our incredible harissa tahini sauce!

Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; if the florets are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, preventing them from getting beautifully browned and crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.

Roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on it. You’re looking for the florets to become softened and tender when pierced with a fork, with deliciously browned and slightly crispy edges. Some pieces should even develop a lovely, subtle char, mimicking the “charred” effect of the original True Food Kitchen dish. This caramelization is where much of the magic happens!

Crafting the Irresistible Harissa Tahini Sauce

While your cauliflower is roasting to golden perfection, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive harissa tahini sauce. This sauce is what truly elevates the dish, providing a luxurious coating and an explosion of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to create this culinary masterpiece:

tahini
lemon juice
garlic powder
harissa paste
Himalayan sea salt
ground cumin
smoked paprika
filtered water

Each ingredient plays a vital role in building a complex and balanced flavor profile. Tahini provides the creamy, nutty base; lemon juice adds a necessary bright acidity; garlic powder brings a savory depth; and harissa paste introduces that signature “cool-y hot” kick. Cumin and smoked paprika enhance the warmth and complexity, while a touch of Himalayan sea salt balances everything out. Filtered water is key for achieving the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make the Perfect Harissa Tahini Sauce

Preparing this flavorful sauce is incredibly simple and can be done while your cauliflower roasts, saving you time and effort. You’ll want to aim for a consistency that is thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but still easily pourable.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your sauce ingredients: tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, harissa paste, Himalayan sea salt, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Use a whisk or a sturdy fork to thoroughly combine everything. At first, the mixture might seem thick and clumpy – don’t worry, this is completely normal! As you whisk, gradually add filtered water, about 1 tablespoon at a time.

The filtered water is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Continue whisking and adding water incrementally until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy, and pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to generously coat the cauliflower florets without being too runny. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water; if it’s a little thin, a touch more tahini can help, or just let it sit for a few minutes as tahini tends to thicken on standing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a little more lemon for brightness or harissa for an extra kick.

Once your cauliflower is beautifully roasted and fork-tender, carefully transfer the hot florets into the large mixing bowl with your prepared harissa tahini sauce. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the cauliflower, ensuring every single floret is thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. This step is key for infusing maximum flavor into each bite. If you find the sauce a little too thick to distribute evenly, add an additional splash of filtered water and toss again until all the cauliflower is perfectly glazed.

The Perfect Toppings for Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Now that your roasted cauliflower is beautifully sauced, it’s time to add the final flourish with some delightful toppings! While the original True Food Kitchen dish often features dates and pistachios, I opted for a unique and equally delicious spin using dried cranberries and hazelnuts. This combination adds layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that truly make this dish shine.

Here’s what I used to complete this vibrant dish:

Grandy Oats Apple Juice Infused Organic Cranberries
Grandy Oats Organic Hazelnuts
fresh mint
fresh dill

Each topping is carefully selected to complement the savory and spicy notes of the cauliflower and tahini sauce.

A Spotlight on Grandy Oats Pantry Products

I’m delighted to feature Grandy Oats Apple Juice Infused Organic Cranberries and Grandy Oats Organic Hazelnuts in this recipe. These high-quality pantry staples are truly exceptional and contribute significantly to the overall taste and texture of the Harissa Roasted Cauliflower.

These Grandy Pantry items are absolutely wonderful to have on hand, not just for the holiday season, but all year round! They are perfect for healthy snacking, enhancing your baked goods, and adding a gourmet touch to your cooking.

The Grandy Oats Apple Juice Infused Organic Cranberries are a standout. They offer a delightful tartness that is beautifully balanced by the subtle sweetness of apple juice infusion. Their juicy texture and vibrant color make them a fantastic addition, providing a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the tahini sauce. They’re a natural source of antioxidants and fiber too!

And then there are the Grandy Oats Organic Hazelnuts. These nuts boast a warm, distinctly buttery flavor that is simply exquisite. They are excellent when eaten raw in snacks or trail mixes, and they elevate any baked good. For this recipe, I highly recommend roughly chopping them to ensure a delightful crunch in every bite. For an even greater depth of flavor, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the dish – this simple step truly enhances their inherent nuttiness and aroma.

I adore how both the cranberries and hazelnuts contribute not just incredible flavor, but also crucial textural contrast to this Harissa Roasted Cauliflower. Their chewiness and crunch prevent the dish from being monotonously soft. Once the sauced cauliflower is in the bowl, throw in a few tablespoons of fresh, vibrant herbs – I find fresh mint and dill to be particularly complementary, offering a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish. Mix everything again gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld. For an extra touch of elegance and freshness, consider sprinkling a few additional cranberries, hazelnuts, and herb sprigs on top just before serving. It makes for a beautiful and inviting garnish!

How to Serve Harissa Roasted Cauliflower: Versatile & Delicious

This Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it perfect for almost any occasion.

One popular way to serve it is as a flavorful and cozy appetizer, much like the True Food Kitchen original. Offer it on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or in individual bowls. It sets a wonderfully inviting tone for any meal.

Alternatively, it shines as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite plant-based main course. Be warned, though: while it’s intended as a supporting character, its bold flavors and appealing presentation mean it often steals the show! Its vibrant colors and unique taste make it a fantastic addition to any plate.

For a more substantial meal, try serving this cauliflower over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains absorb the delicious tahini sauce, creating a complete and satisfying plant-based dish. You could also stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the cauliflower and sauce to boost the protein content, transforming it into a hearty meal all on its own.

Looking for a showstopper for your holiday table? This Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is a gorgeous and unexpected addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. Its festive colors and unique flavor profile will undoubtedly impress your guests, offering a vibrant alternative to traditional holiday sides.

If you have any delicious leftovers, which is a rare occurrence, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for several days, and the flavors often deepen overnight. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back its warmth and tenderness.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

More Irresistible Roasted Cauliflower Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of roasted cauliflower, you’re in luck! This versatile vegetable can be transformed into countless delicious dishes. Here are some of my other favorite roasted cauliflower recipes that you absolutely must try:

Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Rosemary Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso

More Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Side Recipes

Planning a plant-based holiday feast? These vegan Thanksgiving side dishes are packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Hazelnut Butter Sauce
Dijon Tahini Green Beans
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Figs & Pecans
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes With Almond Butter Gravy
Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad
Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad
Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Stovetop Cauliflower Rice Stuffing
Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Sauce
Delicata Chickpea Bake With Almond Butter “Gravy”
Pumpkin Cornbread Mini Muffins
2-Way Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce
Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs & Pecans

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this Harissa Roasted Cauliflower recipe a try, I would absolutely love to know what you think! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a star rating and a review. It truly makes my day to hear about your culinary creations!

You can also give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share your photos with me. I love seeing how your dishes turn out!

And for more recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find plenty of other plant-based recipes just like this one to pin and save for later. If you loved this post and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes and tips, head over to my homepage and subscribe to get updates delivered directly to your inbox!

XO Lauren