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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Sumac Cauliflower With Tahini

    Published: Jun 22, 2023 by Caitlin Rule · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Roasted sumac cauliflower seasoned with Lebanese spices, served with a luscious lemon tahini sauce is quick and easy healthy side that pairs with any meal.

    Sumac cauliflower with tahini sauce drizzled and served on the side.

    Calling all my cauliflower lovers. This Lebanese style sumac cauliflower has been a family favourite over here on repeat! It is a complete knock out, so flavourful and tasty. Cauliflower is roasted until crispy with cumin and sumac then finished with a delectable tahini sauce and parsley.

    It’s quick and easy to prep making it a great healthy appetiser to serve to a crowd or a delicious side dish to serve with a weeknight meal. Whether you’re having meat, fish, or tofu steaks, this cauliflower is sure to complement it perfectly.  

    Sumac cauliflower with tahini sauce drizzled on top.

    Ingredients you’ll need

    To make this Lebanese style sumac cauliflower you’ll need 8 simple ingredients:

    • Cauliflower: about one head of cauliflower! You’ll need to cut it into florets here so they can be tossed in delicious spices.
    • Seasonings: We toss the cauliflower in cumin and sumac for an incredible middle eastern taste. 
    • Tahini: Sesame seed paste used to make the sauce.
    • Olive oil: Or you can use avocado oil instead.
    • Garlic: fresh is best but use garlic powder if that’s all you have.
    • Parsley: to garnish 
    • Salt + pepper
    Ingredients shown to make roasted sumac cauliflower.

    How to make sumac cauliflower and tahini sauce

    Cut your cauliflower into small florets and then place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

    Add the olive oil, cumin, sumac, salt and pepper and toss with your hands to evenly coat the cauliflower.

    Seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet.
    Roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.

    Roast the seasoned cauliflower until golden and fork tender.

    Meanwhile, mix all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until it becomes a thick paste. Slowly add water to the mixture and whisk until it’s smooth.

    Lemon tahini sauce in a bowl with a whisk.

    Serve the sumac roasted cauliflower with the tahini sauce and garnish with parsley. 

    Tips for roasting cauliflower 

    • Cut the florets into small bite pieces to make them more crisp. This maximizes contact with the pan for caramelization.
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or spray oil if roasting directly on the sheet.
    • Pat cauliflower dry with a paper towel first to remove excess moisture. Otherwise the cauliflower may steam instead of roast.
    Lebanese style cauliflower on a plate with tahini sauce.

    How to store

    Sumac cauliflower is best served straight away. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Store tahini sauce in a seperate container.

    Recipe FAQ

    What is tahini?

    Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment made from toasted and ground sesame. It’s earthy and nutty with a slight bitterness. The tahini dipping sauce is fresh and zingy and pairs beautifully with the spices on the cauliflower.

    Can you make roasted cauliflower ahead of time?

    This side dish is best served straight out of the oven, however you can coat the cauliflower with oil and spices, then store it covered in the fridge ahead of time. The tahini sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

    What is sumac?

    Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice known for its vibrant red berries. These berries are ground into a coarse powder and sold as a spice. It is a versatile seasoning that adds a bright red colour and a tangy, lemon-like tartness to dishes.

    Is cauliflower a healthy side dish?

    Oven roasted cauliflower is a healthy side dish. It is low in calories and carbohydrates while being high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

    Side shot of roasted cauliflower on a plate with tahini.

    More vegetable side dishes

    Broccoli & Cauliflower Parmesan

    Roasted Green Beans & Carrots

    Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli With Miso Sauce

    Air Fryer Cabbage with Peanut Sauce

    If you try this sumac cauliflower recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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    Sumac cauliflower with tahini sauce drizzled and served on the side.

    Sumac Cauliflower With Tahini


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    • Author: Caitlin Rule
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4
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    Description

    Roasted sumac cauliflower with Lebanese spices served with a luscious tahini sauce is a quick and easy healthy side that pairs with any meal.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 large head of cauliflower
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 2 ½ teaspoon sumac
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Tahini sauce:

    • ½ cup tahini paste
    • ⅓ cup lemon juice
    • 2 garlic cloves crushed
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup water

    Instructions

    1. Cut your cauliflower into small florets and then place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
    2. Add the olive oil, cumin, sumac, salt and pepper and toss with your hands to evenly coat the cauliflower.
    3. Roast the seasoned cauliflower until golden and fork tender.
    4. Meanwhile, mix all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until it becomes a thick paste. Slowly add water to the mixture and whisk until it’s smooth.
    5. Serve the sumac roasted cauliflower with the tahini sauce and garnish with parsley.

    Notes

    • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
    • Store tahini sauce in seperate container.
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 35 minutes
    • Category: Side dish
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: Lebanese

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    About Caitlin

    Welcome! I’m Caitlin

    I'm a nutritionist, foodie, and mum, here to help you add more goodness to your everyday life! You'll find plenty of delicious, simple, and nutritious recipes to satisfy your cravings and nourish your family.

    More About Me →

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