My fondest memories of autumn involve the vibrant colors, the crisp air, and, of course, the incredible food. Among the many seasonal dishes, one stands out: tahini honey cauliflower. It wasn’t a staple growing up, but the first time I tried it at a local farmer’s market, I was immediately transported to a place of comfort and warmth.
It was that sweet and savory combination that captivated me, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s become a go-to dish for gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. This tahini honey cauliflower recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
Why you’ll love this Tahini-Honey Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Honey Cauliflower
- This tahini honey cauliflower boasts a unique and irresistible flavor profile, balancing the earthiness of cauliflower with the nutty tahini and sweet honey.
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
- Roasting the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a delightful crispy texture.
- This dish is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian meal.
- The addition of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Tahini honey cauliflower is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Tahini honey cauliflower makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the tahini-honey mixture.
Step 4
Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets aren’t overcrowded for best roasting results.
Step 5
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Step 6
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize your tahini honey cauliflower. A sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika can add a warm and earthy note.
For a cheesier flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt and create a delicious crust.
If you prefer a nuttier flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cauliflower before roasting. The nuts will add a satisfying crunch and complement the tahini and honey.
Pairings
This tahini honey cauliflower makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish. The sweetness of the honey and the nuttiness of the tahini complement the savory flavors of the meat.
It’s also delicious served alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. The cauliflower adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the dish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. You might also enjoy this delicious tahini honey cauliflower alongside the ultimate smash burger sauce recipe for dipping!
Consider serving it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal. The cauliflower adds a pop of flavor and texture to the salad, making it more interesting and satisfying.
Serving ideas
For an elegant presentation, arrange the roasted tahini honey cauliflower on a platter and garnish with a drizzle of extra honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This simple touch adds a touch of visual appeal.
Serve the cauliflower warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It’s delicious either way!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole from Fork Haven for a delicious and spicy pairing.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover tahini honey cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy it later in the week.
Reheat the cauliflower in the oven or microwave. For best results, reheat in the oven to retain its crispy texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cauliflower may become mushy when thawed.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the tahini-honey mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply whisk it together before adding it to the cauliflower.
Cut the cauliflower florets ahead of time and store them in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to roast the cauliflower.
Toss the cauliflower with the tahini-honey mixture up to an hour before roasting. This allows the flavors to meld together, but avoid longer marinating times as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
Common mistakes when making Tahini-Honey Roasted Cauliflower
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Make sure the cauliflower florets are spread out in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, resulting in soggy cauliflower.
- Not roasting at a high enough temperature: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is crucial for achieving crispy and golden brown cauliflower. Lower temperatures may result in undercooked cauliflower.
- Not flipping the cauliflower halfway through: Flipping the cauliflower halfway through roasting ensures that it browns evenly on all sides.
- Burning the garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when roasting the cauliflower. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the dish.
- Adding too much honey: While the honey adds sweetness, too much can make the dish overly sweet. Adjust the amount of honey to your preference.
Final notes
This tahini honey cauliflower recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
Loved this Tahini-Honey Roasted Cauliflower? Try these next
- Ultimate smash burger sauce recipe
- Honey garlic carrots amazing honey garlic
- Garlic parmesan meatloaf recipe
- Jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole ultimate jalapeno
- Ultimate humpty dumpty dip recipe
Tahini-Honey Roasted Cauliflower
This tahini-honey roasted cauliflower is a simple yet sophisticated side dish or vegetarian main course. The nutty tahini and sweet honey perfectly complement the earthy cauliflower, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Roasting brings out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness and gives it a delightful crispy texture.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the tahini-honey mixture.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets aren't overcrowded for best roasting results.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy cauliflower, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For a vegan option, substitute maple syrup for honey. Serve as a side dish or as a main course over rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg