This Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce is a delicious, healthy, and flavorful Middle Eastern dish. The cauliflower is roasted to perfection, giving it a crispy texture, while the rich and creamy tahini sauce adds a nutty and tangy kick. Perfect as a vegetarian side dish or part of a mezze platter, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 large head of cauliflower (approximately 2-2.5 lbs or 900-1134 grams)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (1 gram)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (0.5 grams)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tahini Sauce

• 1/2 cup tahini (120 ml)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (3 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1 gram)
• 3-4 tablespoons water (45-60 ml), to thin

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent roasting.
3. Season & Toss: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Toss the cauliflower florets in this mixture until well coated.
4. Roast: Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast for 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare Tahini Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and water in a small bowl. Gradually add water until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
6. Serve: Let the cauliflower cool slightly before transferring to a serving dish. Drizzle with tahini sauce, or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander for an extra flavor boost.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce is an easy, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings together crispy, caramelized cauliflower and a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. This dish is a Middle Eastern classic, often served as part of a mezze platter, but it’s just as delicious as a standalone side dish or light meal.

Roasting cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness, while the combination of olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric gives it a warm, slightly smoky, and earthy flavor. The tahini sauce, made from sesame paste, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt, perfectly complements the crispy cauliflower, adding a rich nuttiness and a refreshing tang.

What Makes This Dish Special?

• Crispy & Flavorful Cauliflower: Roasting brings out a deep, caramelized flavor that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors: The combination of warm spices, creamy tahini, and zesty lemon makes this a true Lebanese-inspired dish.
• Nutritious & Plant-Based: This dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Versatile & Customizable: Can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or part of a larger mezze spread.
• Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

The Health Benefits of Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nutrient-dense and incredibly healthy.

Cauliflower – A Nutrient Powerhouse

Cauliflower is one of the most nutritious vegetables, offering a range of health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Supports digestion and gut health.
• High in Antioxidants: Helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Low in Calories & Carbs: A perfect low-carb option for healthy eating.
• Packed with Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

Tahini – A Superfood Ingredient

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It adds creaminess, nuttiness, and essential nutrients:

• Rich in Healthy Fats: Supports heart health and brain function.
• A Great Source of Plant-Based Protein: Provides important amino acids.
• Loaded with Calcium & Iron: Helps maintain strong bones and energy levels.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Contains sesamin and sesamol, compounds that support overall health.

How to Serve Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

As an Appetizer or Mezze Platter

• Serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and warm pita bread.
• Pair with olives, pickled vegetables, and grilled halloumi for a Mediterranean feast.
• Offer with freshly made falafel or stuffed grape leaves for a full mezze experience.

As a Side Dish

• Serve with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a well-balanced meal.
• Pair with a quinoa or couscous salad for a light and wholesome lunch.
• Complement with roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for a hearty vegetable platter.

As a Main Course

• Serve over steamed rice, bulgur, or farro for a complete, satisfying dish.
• Toss with chickpeas, lentils, or crispy tofu for added protein.
• Stuff into pita bread or flatbread with fresh greens for a delicious wrap.

How to Customize This Recipe

This dish is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

Make It Spicier

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Aleppo pepper to the cauliflower seasoning.
• Drizzle with harissa or chili oil for extra heat.

Make It Extra Creamy

• Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the tahini sauce for a creamier, tangier finish.
• Blend the tahini sauce with a roasted garlic clove for a deeper flavor.

Add More Texture

• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sesame seeds for crunch.
• Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness and color.

Brighten the Flavors

• Finish with a squeeze of extra lemon juice for added freshness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint for an herbal lift.

How to Store & Meal Prep This Dish

This Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze (Without Sauce): Freeze roasted cauliflower for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Meal Prep Ideas

• Make a batch of tahini sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Roast a double batch of cauliflower and use leftovers for salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
• Serve with pre-cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled vegetables for quick meals throughout the week.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce is perfect for:

• Weeknight Dinners: A simple, flavorful, and nutritious side dish.
• Entertaining & Gatherings: A stunning dish that’s impressive yet easy to make.
• Holiday Feasts: A great vegetarian addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Ramadan meals.
• Healthy Meal Prep: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and good fats, making it great for weight management.
• Special Diets: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly with simple ingredient swaps.

Conclusion

This Lebanese Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce is a bold, delicious, and healthy dish that highlights the best of Middle Eastern flavors. With its crispy, spiced cauliflower and creamy tahini drizzle, it’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you serve it as part of a mezze platter, a side dish, or a main course, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Plus, with simple ingredient swaps and customizations, you can make it spicier, creamier, or more texturally complex to suit your personal taste.