Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini Honey
Boldly spiced, beautifully roasted, and finished with a creamy drizzle, Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini Honey transforms a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy dish. This recipe combines warm North African spices with nutty tahini and a touch of honey for a balance that’s savory, earthy, and lightly sweet.
Roasted cauliflower is known for its ability to absorb flavor, and this Moroccan-inspired version does exactly that. A blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic coats each floret before roasting, creating crisp edges and deep flavor. The tahini honey sauce adds richness and contrast, tying everything together in a way that feels both comforting and elevated.
Whether served as a side dish, a vegetarian main, or part of a mezze-style spread, this dish delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.
Why This Moroccan Cauliflower Recipe Works
This recipe relies on contrast — spice and sweetness, crisp and creamy, earthy and bright. Roasting the cauliflower at high heat concentrates its natural flavor while allowing the spices to bloom and cling to the surface.
Tahini provides a nutty, slightly bitter backbone that balances the sweetness of honey. Lemon juice cuts through the richness, keeping the sauce light and vibrant. Together, the flavors feel complex without being overwhelming.
The result is a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- Cauliflower florets
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic
- Salt
For the Tahini Honey Sauce:
- Tahini
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Warm water
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to a high roasting temperature and line a baking sheet.
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and salt.
- Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast until tender with crisp, caramelized edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk tahini, honey, lemon juice, salt, and warm water until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle sauce over roasted cauliflower just before serving.
- Garnish with herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss cauliflower with oil, spices, garlic, and salt.
- Roast until tender and caramelized.
- Whisk tahini, honey, lemon juice, salt, and warm water.
- Drizzle sauce over cauliflower before serving.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Roasted Cauliflower
- Use high heat to ensure browning instead of steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — space equals crispiness.
- Add sauce after roasting to preserve texture.
Flavor Variations
This dish is easy to customize.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne or harissa powder.
- Vegan Option: Swap honey for maple syrup.
- Extra Citrus: Add lemon zest to the sauce.
- Crunchy Finish: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts.
How to Serve Moroccan Cauliflower
Serve this cauliflower alongside grilled meats, couscous, rice, or flatbread. It also works beautifully as a vegetarian centerpiece, stuffed into wraps, or added to grain bowls.
For entertaining, include it as part of a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and roasted vegetables.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover cauliflower and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat cauliflower in the oven to restore crispness, then drizzle with sauce before serving.
The tahini honey sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days. Whisk with warm water before using to loosen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe proves that vegetables don’t need to be boring. With bold spices, rich sauce, and satisfying texture, Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini Honey delivers big flavor in a simple, wholesome way.
It’s elegant enough for guests and easy enough for weeknights — a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
