Name: Harissa-roasted cauliflower with preserved lemon dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4

Harissa-roasted cauliflower with preserved lemon dressing

Zingy and spicy, the humble cauliflower gets an upgrade with this harissa-based spin.

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Serves 4

Makes 1

Prep

10M

Cook

20M

Total

30M

Roasting transforms the humble cauliflower into something more robust and caramelised. Here, smoky harissa and a zingy preserved lemon dressing create the perfect balance of heat and brightness, while toasted pepitas add crunch. An all-rounder, this colourful side commands as much attention as the main course.

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Ingredients

1 large cauliflower (800gm), broken into florets

3 tsp harissa paste

1 tbsp olive oil

250 gm couscous

3 dates, thinly sliced

Toasted pepitas and coarsely chopped coriander, to serve

PRESERVED LEMON DRESSING

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ large preserved lemon, flesh discarded, rind rinsed and finely chopped

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste

2 tsp harissa paste

Method

Preheat oven to 250°C. Toss cauliflower, harissa and 3 tsp oil in a bowl to combine, and season. Spread over a large baking tray lined with baking paper and roast until golden (15-20 minutes).

Meanwhile, place couscous in a bowl and rub with 1 tsp oil. Pour over 450ml boiling water and stir. Cover and set aside to absorb the water (15 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside

For preserved lemon dressing, whisk ingredients together in a bowl and season to taste.

Stir dates through couscous and divide among serving bowls. Top with cauliflower and spoon over dressing. Scatter with pepitas and chopped coriander to serve.

Recipe by Jessica Brook Recipe Writer and Food Stylist

Jessica’s culinary journey has covered every corner of the food world as a professionally trained chef, recipe writer, food editor, food consultant and stylist. With over 16 years of experience, Jessica has worked across many of Australia's most prestigious food titles, including Gourmet Traveller, Martha Stewart, Donna Hay, and Vogue Entertaining & Travel. When it comes to food, Jessica's all in. With a genuine passion for flavour and a deep appreciation for its diverse cultural influences, Jessica excels in crafting engaging food stories and creating unique recipes. Her style? Tasteful simplicity that highlights the essence of ingredients and heartfelt cooking. You could say she's a bit of a food fanatic, bringing her own unique touch to every dish she creates, particularly in her contributions to Gourmet Traveller through which her dishes resonate with readers seeking new and inspiring culinary experiences.

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