Spicy Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

$- Cauliflower and Base Ingredients - 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 3 tablespoons harissa paste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of these tacos is cauliflower. It has a great texture and absorbs flavors well. Harissa paste adds a spicy kick to the dish. Olive oil helps roast the cauliflower to a crispy finish. Smoked paprika gives depth and warmth to each bite. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. - Toppings and Garnishes - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving Corn tortillas are soft and perfect for wrapping. Red cabbage adds color and crunch. Sliced avocado gives a creamy texture. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor. Lime wedges are a must for that zesty finish. - Optional Ingredients - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt Adding yogurt is optional but adds creaminess and cools down the heat from the harissa. You can choose Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or a plant-based option for a dairy-free dish. This mix of ingredients creates a taco that’s not just tasty but also full of great textures and colors. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps the cauliflower roast evenly and get that nice brown color. Preparing the Cauliflower Take one large head of cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Place the florets in a large bowl. Add three tablespoons of harissa paste, two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until each piece is coated. Roasting the Cauliflower Spread the cauliflower mix on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the florets are in a single layer. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through so they brown nicely. They should be tender and slightly crisp when done. Warming the Tortillas While the cauliflower roasts, warm eight small corn tortillas. Place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes the tortillas soft and easy to fold. Stacking the Ingredients Once the cauliflower is ready, it’s time to build your tacos. Take a warm tortilla and add a generous scoop of roasted cauliflower. Next, layer on some shredded red cabbage, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you want, add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. How to Serve with Lime Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos adds a bright flavor. Optional Toppings Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can add extra avocado, sliced jalapeños, or even crumbled feta cheese. The choice is yours! Harissa is a spicy blend from North Africa. It adds deep flavor and heat. When using harissa, start with a small amount. You can always add more if you want extra spice. Mix it well with olive oil before adding to your cauliflower. This helps the flavors blend. Use fresh harissa for the best taste. Check the label for quality and heat level. Roasting cauliflower is simple but needs care. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps it brown evenly. Flip the florets halfway through roasting for even cooking. Look for a deep golden color on the edges. This means they are ready and full of flavor. Get creative with your taco toppings! Shredded red cabbage adds crunch and freshness. Slices of avocado bring creaminess. Fresh cilantro gives a bright flavor. You can also add pickled onions or jalapeños for extra zing. Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste. These tacos pair well with many sides. A fresh salad with lime dressing works great. You can also serve them with Mexican rice or beans. For a fun twist, try serving with sweet potato fries. The flavors will complement each other well, making your meal complete. Pro Tips Choosing Cauliflower: Select a head of cauliflower that feels heavy for its size and has tightly packed florets for the best texture. Harissa Paste: Adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your spice tolerance; start with less if you're unsure. Warm Tortillas: Keep tortillas warm and pliable by wrapping them in a kitchen towel as you prepare the tacos. Additional Toppings: Experiment with toppings like pickled onions or feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} Plant-Based Alternatives You can swap the Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy. For a heartier taco, try adding black beans or lentils. Both options add protein and flavor. Additional Veggie Options Feel free to mix in other veggies. Roasted bell peppers or zucchini work well. You could also add sweet potatoes for a different taste. Each veggie adds unique flavors and nutrients. Mild vs. Spicy Harissa Choose mild harissa paste for a gentle kick. If you like heat, use spicy harissa instead. Taste it before adding to the cauliflower. This way, you can control the spice level. Adding Heat with Other Ingredients You can up the heat with jalapeños or hot sauce. Add them to the tacos to bring in more spice. Alternatively, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an extra punch. Adjust according to your taste! To keep your spicy harissa roasted cauliflower tacos fresh, follow these best practices for refrigeration: - Allow the tacos to cool completely. - Store tacos in an airtight container. - Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Consume within 3 days for best taste and texture. For freezing instructions: - Separate the roasted cauliflower from the tortillas and toppings. - Place the cauliflower in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. - When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. How do you reheat tacos without losing crunch? - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the tacos on a baking sheet. - Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. - You can also reheat the cauliflower in the oven. For a quick option, use a microwave: - Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. - Heat for 30-second intervals until warm. - This method may soften the tortillas but keeps the filling tasty. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can use other veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes work well. These add different flavors and textures. Just cut them into similar sizes as the cauliflower. Toss them with harissa and roast the same way. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! These tacos are great for meal prep. You can roast the cauliflower ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos. Caloric Breakdown Each taco has about 180 calories. This can vary based on toppings and portion sizes. The main ingredients, like cauliflower and yogurt, are low in calories but high in nutrients. Health Benefits of Ingredients Cauliflower is high in fiber and vitamins. It supports digestion and boosts your immune system. Harissa adds flavor with spices, which can help reduce inflammation. Avocado gives healthy fats that are good for your heart. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? You can use plant-based yogurt or sour cream. If you want a dairy-free option, try cashew cream. This keeps the creaminess without the dairy. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn? Yes, you can use flour tortillas. They will change the taste and texture, but they will still be tasty. Just warm them up before adding the toppings. This blog post covered all you need for tasty cauliflower tacos. We discussed ingredients, from basics to toppings. I shared each step to prepare and assemble, plus clever tips to enhance flavor. Experiment with different ingredients or adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Follow my storage tips to keep leftovers fresh, and reheating methods help maintain that perfect crunch. Enjoy making these delicious tacos, and don't hesitate to get creative!$

Spicy Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with roasted cauliflower coated in spicy harissa, topped with fresh vegetables and served with lime.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons harissa paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 whole avocado, sliced
1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
for serving lime wedges
1 2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with harissa paste, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
Spread the cauliflower mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and begins to brown on the edges.
While the cauliflower is roasting, warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable.
Once the cauliflower is done, assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of roasted cauliflower onto each tortilla.
Top the cauliflower with shredded red cabbage, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
If desired, add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Notes

Add more toppings like cheese or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Keyword cauliflower, harissa, tacos, vegetarian