Harissa-Spiced Moroccan Broccoli
A staple of Moroccan cuisine, harissa has become one of my go-to ingredients when looking to add a little warmth to a dish. This week, it takes center stage in my Harissa-Spiced Moroccan Broccoli recipe, elevating the classic vegetable into a show-stopping side dish.
Roasted to perfection and drizzled with a rich and tangy moroccan sauce, the dish is bold, spicy, and full of flavor.
Whether serving as a delicious appetizer or vibrant side, this recipe is sure to impress.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
3 large heads of broccoli
4 tbs olive oil (split)
Salt
4 tbs harissa (split)
2 tbs tahini
1/2 lemon juiced
What is Harissa?
A hot and flavorful chili paste from Northern Africa, harissa is made by blending roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a mix of spices like coriander and cumin. You might compare its flavor to sriracha, with a bit of an earthier, aromatic touch.
One of my favorite store-bought versions comes from Mina, which can be found at most of your local grocery stores. Or you can make a simple homemade version in just a few minutes, allowing you control your level of spice!
A Delicious Moroccan Sauce
The combination of rich, nutty tahini and zesty, bright lemon is a classic pairing that elevates any dish. But when combined with the bold heat of harissa, the trio creates a delicious blend of flavors — spicy, savory, and tangy — that is sure to impress.
Drizzle it over your broccoli and save the rest for later. This moroccan sauce is a great way to add a new twist to an old meal.
The Benefits of Roasting Veggies
Roasting your broccoli adds a delicious crisp to each bite and intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetable by caramelizing its sugars.
More than that, roasting your veggie can help soften its fibers, making your meal easier to digest and improving overall gut health. Similarly, the process can help boost levels of certain nutrients like lycopene and carotene by breaking down cell walls within the broccoli.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash the broccoli and cut into pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Combine two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of harissa in a small bowl and season with salt. Stir and pour over the broccoli.
Place broccoli on the baking sheet and spread out so it is in a single layer.
Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce.
While the broccoli is cooking, in a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of olive oil, harissa, and tahini, as well as lemon juice and salt to taste.
Once the broccoli is out of the oven, place broccoli back into the bowl and pour sauce over the cooked broccoli.
Stir to combine and serve while warm!