Roasted Cauliflower Lemon Lentil Tahini

Experience a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired feast with this Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Lentil Cumin Tahini Yogurt. This budget-friendly vegetarian main combines caramelized vegetables with earthy pulses and a cooling, spiced yogurt sauce. It is not only delicious but also packed with gut-healthy prebiotics and probiotics.

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This recipe transforms a simple head of cauliflower into a sophisticated centerpiece. The smoky paprika and aromatic cumin are balanced by the brightness of lemon and the nutty richness of tahini, making every bite a complex blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Season Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.

3. Roast

Roast cauliflower for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.

4. Cook Lentils

Meanwhile, combine lentils, water, bay leaf, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and discard bay leaf.

5. Dress the Lentils

While lentils are warm, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, diced red onion, and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Make Tahini Yogurt

For the tahini yogurt, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

7. Plate the Dish

To serve, spread the lemon lentils over a platter. Arrange roasted cauliflower on top. Drizzle generously with cumin tahini yogurt.

8. Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure perfect texture, use a baking sheet and a saucepan. A whisk is essential for getting the tahini yogurt completely smooth. Make sure not to overcook the lentils; they should be tender but still hold their shape.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, use a dairy-free plant-based yogurt. You can also try adding pomegranate seeds or chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch and texture.

Serviervorschläge

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It works beautifully as a satisfying vegetarian main course or as a hearty side dish. Always serve with extra lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.

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Whether you are serving this for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread, this roasted cauliflower platter is a nutritious, gluten-free option that never fails to impress with its bold Middle Eastern flair.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a plain dairy-free alternative like coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. The tahini helps maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor.

→ What type of lentils work best?

Green or brown lentils are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking. Avoid red lentils as they tend to become mushy and won't provide the desired texture for the lemon-lentil salad component.

→ Can I prepare components in advance?

Absolutely. The roasted cauliflower, lemon lentils, and tahini yogurt can all be made up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble when ready to serve.

→ How do I prevent the tahini sauce from separating?

Whisk the tahini thoroughly with the lemon juice before adding the yogurt. This emulsifies the mixture. If separation occurs, add a teaspoon of warm water and whisk vigorously until smooth again.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

It's substantial enough to stand alone as a main course. If serving as part of a larger spread, pair with warm flatbread, quinoa salad, or roasted root vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

→ Can I add protein to make it more filling?

While lentils provide good protein, you can add grilled chickpeas, chopped walnuts, or even crumbled feta on top for extra protein and texture. These additions complement the existing flavors beautifully.