Roasted Cauliflower Couscous Bowl with Feta & Lemon Tahini
Roasted Cauliflower Couscous Bowl with Feta & Lemon Tahini is a delightful and nutritious dish that will elevate your dining experience, whether for lunch or dinner. This bowl combines the earthy flavors of roasted cauliflower, the lightness of couscous, and the creaminess of feta, all enhanced by a zesty lemon tahini dressing. Perfect for a healthy meal, it’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Roasted Cauliflower Couscous Bowl is not only beautiful to look at but also brimming with vibrant flavors and textures. The smoky, crispy roasted cauliflower contrasts wonderfully with the fluffy couscous, while cherry tomatoes add freshness and a burst of flavor. Crumbled feta cheese complements the dish with its creaminess, and the lemon tahini dressing brings everything together with a tangy finish. This recipe is vegan-friendly and can easily be modified to suit your dietary preferences. Plus, it can be made in just about 40 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for creating this delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the bowl:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- For the lemon tahini dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons water (more as needed for consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Before you get started on the rest of your ingredients, make sure to preheat your oven. This ensures that your cauliflower will roast evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Toss cauliflower with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure that all the florets are well-coated in the seasoning mixture, which will help create that irresistible flavor when roasted.
Step 3: Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast.
Arrange the seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. This will help with even roasting. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the cauliflower is golden brown and crisp-tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the couscous.
While the cauliflower is roasting, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, and cover the pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff the couscous with a fork to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Make the lemon tahini dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, water, salt, and pepper. Adjust the water if you desire a thinner consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable, with a perfect balance of tanginess from the lemon.
Step 6: Assemble the bowl.
To assemble your couscous bowl, layer a generous portion of couscous at the bottom. Top it with roasted cauliflower, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top for a pop of flavor and color.
Step 7: Drizzle with lemon tahini dressing.
Finally, drizzle the zesty lemon tahini dressing over the assembled bowls just before serving. You can enjoy these bowls warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I substitute quinoa for couscous?
Yes, you can definitely use quinoa in place of couscous. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for quinoa.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together and can provide a delicious lunch the next day.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this bowl gluten-free, use gluten-free couscous or quinoa instead. Just ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any additional vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to enhance the nutritional profile and add variety to the dish.
Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tahini dressing in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Roasted Cauliflower Couscous Bowl with Feta & Lemon Tahini is a perfect example of how delicious and nutritious a meal can be without requiring much time or effort. With its colorful ingredients and a burst of flavor from the tahini dressing, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you are enjoying it as a light dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
