Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Green Sauce
This whole roasted cauliflower is boldly spiced with Middle Eastern flavours and topped with a creamy, herb-packed tahini sauce for a vibrant and satisfying dish. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect as a stunning centerpiece or hearty side for your next plant-based meal.
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Low in Carbs – Cauliflower is naturally low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index.
- High in Fibre – Supports blood sugar regulation and digestive health.
- Healthy Fats – Tahini and olive oil provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help manage blood sugar levels.
- No Refined Sugar – Entirely free of added sugars, keeping the glycemic load low.
- Anti-Inflammatory Spices – Turmeric, cumin, and garlic powder support metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Satiating – High fibre and healthy fats help with satiety, aiding in blood sugar management.
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Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Foil
- Small mixing bowl ( (for spice mix))
- Pastry brush or hands ((for applying spice mixture))
- Blender or food processor ((for sauce))
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower
- cauliflower (whole, leaves trimmed but core intact) 1 medium
- olive oil 2 tbsp
- harissa paste 1 tbsp
- ground cumin 1 tsp
- smoked paprika ½ tsp
- ground coriander ½ tsp
- turmeric ½ tsp
- garlic powder ½ tsp
- cinnamon ¼ tsp
- salt ¼ tsp
- black pepper (to taste) 1 pinch
For the Tahini Green Sauce
- parsley (packed) 1 cup
- cilantro (packed) ½ cup
- garlic 1 clove
- lemon (juiced) ½
- olive oil 3 tbsp
- tahini 3 tbsp
- water (more as needed for blending) 1 tbsp
- salt ¼ tsp
- pepper 1 pinch
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Cooking Tips
- Trim Just Enough of the Core – Don’t remove too much or the cauliflower may fall apart.
- Control the Heat – Adjust harissa to taste depending on spice preference.
- Don’t Skip the Foil Step – Covering first helps steam the cauliflower, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Make the Sauce Ahead – The tahini green sauce can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Add Texture – Top with pomegranate seeds, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed pistachios for crunch.
- Use Sauce for Other Dishes – Leftover tahini green sauce is great on roasted veggies, grain bowls, or wraps.
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove tough outer leaves from cauliflower, trim stem slightly so it sits flat.1 medium cauliflower
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, 1 pinch black pepper
- Brush or rub mixture evenly over the cauliflower and place cauliflower core-side down on a prepared baking sheet.
- Cover the cauliflower head with foil and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and roast uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the tahini green sauce by blending parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, water, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust with extra water for a looser consistency if needed.1 cup parsley, ½ cup cilantro, 1 clove garlic, ½ lemon, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp water, ¼ tsp salt, 1 pinch pepper
- Once fully cooked, place roasted cauliflower on a serving platter and drizzle generously with tahini green sauce.
- Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm.
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FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the cauliflower and make the sauce in advance. Reheat cauliflower in the oven and drizzle sauce just before serving. - Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s 100% plant-based and dairy-free. - Is tahini safe for nut allergies?
Tahini is made from sesame seeds, not nuts—but always check with your doctor or guests, as sesame is a potential allergen. - Can I use another vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Yes, the spice blend works well on broccoli, eggplant, or even roasted sweet potatoes. - What does harissa taste like?
Harissa is a North African chili paste with smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy notes—great for adding depth. - What can I use instead of tahini?
Sunflower seed butter or cashew butter (if not nut-free) can work, but it will change the flavour profile.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 277.5kcal
Carbohydrates: 13.9g
Fiber: 4.9g
Sugar: 3.8g
Fat: 24.3g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat:
Protein: 5.7g
Nutrition Facts
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Green Sauce
Serving Size
0.25 whole cauliflower
Amount per Serving
Calories
277.5
% Daily Value*
Fat
24.3
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
3.5
g
22
%
Sodium
399.7
mg
17
%
Potassium
640.5
mg
18
%
Carbohydrates
13.9
g
5
%
Fiber
4.9
g
20
%
Sugar
3.8
g
4
%
Protein
5.7
g
11
%
Vitamin C
98.4
mg
119
%
Calcium
84.8
mg
8
%
Iron
2.9
mg
16
%
Magnesium
46.1
mg
12
%
Zinc
1.2
mg
8
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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