Roasted cauliflower chickpea dish with Dried Fruit and Herbs
Packed with crispy roasted cauliflower, spicy chickpeas, sweet dried fruits, and fresh herbs, this dish is warm and filling and ideal as a light supper or as a side dish. It is a well-balanced and gratifying dish that combines Mediterranean tastes with a hint of sweetness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas:
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Flavor Boost:
⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins (or chopped dates)
¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
¼ cup chopped celery (optional, for crunch)
For the Garnish:
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast the Cauliflower & Chickpeas:
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets and chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add the Flavor Boost:
Once roasted, transfer the cauliflower and chickpeas to a serving bowl.
Add dried cranberries, toasted almonds, celery, and honey. Toss to combine.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh thyme, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve warm as a side dish, over quinoa, or with warm pita bread.
Variations & Substitutes:
Make it Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup.
Add More Protein: Mix in feta cheese or grilled halloumi.
Extra Crunch: Use pumpkin seeds or pine nuts instead of almonds.
More Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: ~240 kcal Protein: ~7g Carbs: ~32g Fat: ~10g Fiber: ~6g
In Conclusion; This Mediterranean-inspired recipe delivers a delicious blend of tastes and textures whether it is served warm over pita, over fluffy quinoa, or on its own. It’s healthful and soothing since it contains naturally sweet dried fruits, protein-rich chickpeas, and roasted veggies. This recipe is ideal for meal prep or a quick midweek supper, and it will quickly become a favorite for a filling and tasty meal!