Marple Harissa Cauliflower on Creamy Hummus

The Dish

Whole roasted maple harissa cauliflower on creamy hummus with crunchy chickpeas, pomegranate drizzled in chilli oil. 

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The Recipe

Step 1 

Preheat oven to fan 200 degrees C.

Step 2

Trim the outer cauliflower leaves and trim away the stalk so the cauliflower can sit flat, then cut a cross into the base - this helps evenly cook the cauliflower.

Step 3

Mix together the oil, harissa paste, syrup, spice and salt and pepper in a bowl and spread over cauliflower using a pastry brush. 

Place the cauliflower on a baking tray, with a little water in the base as this will evaporate and create steam, aiding the cooking of the cauliflower.

Cover with tin foil and bake for 45 mins, remove the tin foil and cook for a further 15-25 mins until fork tender.

Step 4

While the cauliflower is cooking, we can make the crunchy chickpeas.  I always like to make extra of these as they are great salad toppers, soup toppers and just also make great snacks.

Mix oil, spices, syrup, salt and pepper in a bowl and add the drained chickpeas.  Stir well to ensure an even coating.  Pour onto a baking tray and add to oven along with the cauliflower.  Roast for 15-20mins at fan 200 degrees, until they just start to turn golden brown.  Give them a little stir half way to ensure an even bake. Remove from oven and leave to cool.

Step 5 

Make the hummus.  Put all the ingredients for the hummus into a food processer and blitz until smooth. If you find it too thick just add a touch of water to loosen it up a little.

Step 6

Assemble the dish.  Start by spreading a generous serving of the hummus onto a plate, place the cauliflower in the middle, sprinkle with the chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, flaked almonds, chopped parsley and a drizzle of chilli oil. 

The Decoration

(all of this is option and you can play around here) 

• Handful of pomegranate seeds

• Handful of flaked almonds

• Small punch of parsley

• Drizzle of chilli oil 

The Ingredients

Cauliflower

• 1 cauliflower 

• 1.5 tbsp Harissa paste.

• 1 tbsp maple syrup.

• 1 tbsp olive oil. 

• salt and pepper. 

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp thyme

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

• 1 can chickpeas.(400g)

• 1 tbsp olive oil.

• 1 tsp smoked paprika.

• 1 tsp cumin.

• 1 tbsp maple syrup 

• Good pinch of salt and pepper. 

Creamy Hummus

• 1 can chickpeas (400g)

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp cumin

• Good pinch of salt 

• 1 tbsp water

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