Smoky Lentils Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of spice in your life? Ever wondered if you could Make Smoky Lentils with Harissa ? Honestly, this recipe is where comfort food meets a flavor explosion! The smoky, earthy lentils and the fiery harissa cauliflower are just chef's kiss .

Brief Overview

This delightful recipe draws inspiration from North African cuisine. It's a warming, hearty dish. This smoky lentil recipe is easy to make, needs around an hour and yields 4 servings.

It's perfect for a weeknight dinner with the fam, or a fancy lunch for your friends.

Main Benefits

Vegetarian Dishes that are this flavorful? Yeah, they exist! Smoky Lentils with Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is packed with protein and fibre.

So you are doing yourself a favour by making it. It's perfect for cozy nights in. Trust me, this Smoky Lentil Recipe is proper special.

Ready to get cooking?

All About the Roasted Cauliflower

Right, so this Harissa Cauliflower Recipe is the star of the show, if you ask me. We're talking cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil, fiery harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.

We roast them until they are slightly browned. This brings out their natural sweetness! Roasting them takes about 25- 30 minutes at 200° C .

It's worth it.

Smoky Lentils : The Hearty Base

The Smoked Paprika Lentils are just divine! We're gonna gently sauté onion and garlic. Then, chuck in some brown or green lentils.

Add in a bit of veggie broth and smoked paprika. We simmer it all until the lentils are tender. The smoked paprika is key.

It gives it that proper smoky flavour.

Benefits of this Delicious Recipe

One of the best things about the Lentil and Cauliflower Bowl is how good it is for you! Lentils are a great source of plant based protein and fibre.

Plus, cauliflower is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. So you can enjoy a Spicy Lentil Dish that's both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right, so you wanna Make Smoky Lentils with Harissa , yeah? Fantastic choice! This Spicy Lentil Dish , especially when paired with Harissa Cauliflower Recipe , is a real treat.

And it's easier than you might think. Think North African sunshine in a bowl! Let's talk bits and bobs first.

Main Ingredients

Okay, let's break down what you need. I'm gonna give you both US and metric measurements, because I'm good like that.

For the Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: 1 large head (approx. 800g/28 oz ), cut into florets. Quality check? Should be firm, no brown spots.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) . Extra virgin is best, but any will do, honestly.
• Harissa Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . store-bought or homemade, up to you!
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . This is crucial . Don't skip it!
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish).

For the Smoky Lentils

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (approx. 150g/5 oz ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Lentils: 1 cup brown or green, rinsed (approx. 200g/7 oz ). Brown or green are important; the Smoked Paprika Lentils will not be the same with other colors!
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) . Go for low sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Yep, more!
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
• Bay Leaf: 1 .
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

The magic's in the spices, yeah? We're talking North African Lentil Recipe vibes here. Cumin and smoked paprika are your backbone.

Harissa brings the heat. And that touch of lemon at the end? Chef's kiss .

No harissa? A mix of chilli powder, smoked paprika , garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil will do in a pinch.

It won't be exactly the same, but it'll be close! Make sure your finished Smoky Lentil Recipe has some kick!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Honestly...

• Large baking sheet (for that Roasted Cauliflower , obviously).
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven (for the lentils).
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a baking sheet? A large roasting pan will work. No Dutch oven? Any big saucepan will do the trick.

We're not aiming for perfection here, just deliciousness! I promise this Lentil and Cauliflower Bowl will soon become one of your go-to Vegan Dinners and Vegetarian Dishes .

Craving Comfort? Make Smoky Lentils with Harissa Roasted Cauliflower!

Honestly, sometimes you just need a meal that feels like a big hug. This Smoky Lentil Recipe with Harissa Cauliflower Recipe does exactly that.

I reckon it's proper lush! We're talking warm, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. This isn't your average Vegan Dinners or Vegetarian Dishes , mate.

It's a flavour bomb! You know those days when you just fancy something a bit special? That is it.

Did you know that lentils are a fantastic source of plant based protein and fiber? I once read somewhere that consistently eating lentils can lead to a healthier heart.

Prep Like a Pro for Your Spicy Lentil Dish

Before you start, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and get your cauliflower florets ready.

Having everything prepped saves so much time. It will also help you stay calm while you're cooking. A top tip is to measure out all your spices in advance.

Then, they're ready to go when you need them.

step-by-step to North African Lentil Recipe Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss cauliflower with oil, harissa, cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25- 30 minutes , flipping halfway. Look for a bit of browning.
4. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until softened.
5. Add lentils, broth, spices, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until lentils are tender.
6. Season lentils with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Spoon lentils into bowls and top with Harissa Cauliflower Recipe .
8. Garnish your Lentil and Cauliflower Bowl with fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Paprika Lentils

• Don't overcrowd the Roasted Cauliflower on the baking sheet. Seriously.
• Control the heat! Add more or less harissa to suit your taste. I love adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• Avoid mushy lentils. Using red lentils can turn your Smoky Lentil Recipe into mush, use brown or green for the best texture.
• Don't skimp on the smoked paprika ! It’s essential for that proper smoky flavour.
• To make this Vegetarian Harissa Recipe ahead, prepare the lentils and cauliflower separately. Store them in the fridge and then combine them when you're ready to serve.

Honestly, this Smoky Lentils with Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is one of my go-to meals. It's easy, healthy, and tastes amazing.

I had a bit of a "mare" (nightmare) one time. I forgot about the cauliflower in the oven. Let’s just say, it got a bit too charred.

Don't be like me! Set a timer. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Smoky Lentils with Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Right then, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this recipe. You know, the things that elevate it from "dinner" to "bloody brilliant dinner!" We're talking serving, storing, and all that jazz! This Smoky Lentil Recipe is pretty versatile, so have a gander!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Honestly, plating this up is half the fun. Think vibrant colors! A generous dollop of Greek yoghurt (or vegan alternative) on top is just chef's kiss , cutting through the Spicy Lentil Dish .

As for sides, some warm pita bread or naan are perfect for scooping. A Lentil and Cauliflower Bowl is screaming out for some crusty bread, you know? A fresh green salad with a zesty lemon dressing will balance out the richness too.

Savvy Storage Tips

Right, so you've got leftovers amazing! Pop the Smoked Paprika Lentils in an airtight container and they'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Fancy making a big batch? You can freeze the lentils! Let them cool completely first, then portion them out into freezer bags or containers.

They'll keep for up to 3 months . Just defrost fully and reheat until piping hot. Reheat your Smoky Lentils with Harissa carefully!

Cracking Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? For a vegan adaptation, just make sure your harissa paste and veggie broth are vegan friendly. Easy peasy.

If you're after extra sweetness, chuck some roasted sweet potato cubes in with the Harissa Cauliflower Recipe . It’s a game changer! You could even add a finely chopped chilli to the Vegetarian Harissa Recipe when you are sauteing the onion and garlic.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, so each serving clocks in at around 350 calories. You're looking at 20g of protein, 15g of fat, and a whopping 15g of fibre! That's great for your digestion, innit?

Remember that the sodium level is only an estimate. Watch out for your vegetable stock/broth, cause that will affect it a lot.

This North African Lentil Recipe is packed with goodness, so tuck in without guilt. If you like Roasted Cauliflower try this dish!

Make Smoky Lentils with Harissa and you won't regret it. So there you have it! A few extra pointers to help you nail this Smoky Lentils with Harissa Roasted Cauliflower recipe.

Don’t be scared to experiment. Now get in the kitchen and make some magic. You've got this! And remember Vegan Dinners and Vegetarian Dishes can be delicious, and this is a top dish to start with!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make smoky lentils with harissa ahead of time? Like, for meal prepping on a Sunday?

Absolutely! Both the harissa roasted cauliflower and the smoky lentils can be made ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble.

It's a brilliant way to have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go when you're feeling peckish!

How can I adjust the spice level in this smoky lentils & harissa roasted cauliflower recipe? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat!

No worries, spice is a personal thing! The easiest way to control the heat is by adjusting the amount of harissa paste you use on the cauliflower. Start with a smaller amount, maybe just one tablespoon, and taste as you go.

You can also reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the lentil recipe if you're particularly sensitive to spice.

What kind of lentils are best to make smoky lentils with harissa? I've got a bag of red lentils... will those work?

While red lentils are great in soups and stews, they unfortunately will not work well for this recipe. Brown or green lentils are your best bet. They hold their shape nicely during cooking and provide a satisfyingly hearty texture.

Red lentils tend to cook down into a mush, which isn't what you want for this particular dish.

I don't have harissa paste. What can I substitute to still get a similar flavour when I make smoky lentils with harissa?

If you don't have harissa, you can create a decent substitute by mixing chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of olive oil. Taste and adjust the ratios to achieve your desired level of spice and smokiness.

Start with equal parts of each, and go from there a little experimentation never hurt anyone!

How should I store leftovers of the smoky lentils and harissa roasted cauliflower?

Store any leftover smoky lentils and harissa roasted cauliflower in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop, or even reheat the cauliflower in the oven to restore some of its crispness.

Is the dish "Make Smoky Lentils with Harissa" suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan! Just be sure to check that your harissa paste and vegetable broth are both vegan friendly. Many store-bought harissa pastes are vegan, but it's always a good idea to double check the ingredient list.

If you're using homemade harissa, simply ensure that all of your ingredients are plant based.