Roasted Cauliflower With Lemon Lentil (Printable)

Golden cauliflower meets zesty lentils and creamy tahini yogurt in this vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Roasted Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Lemon Lentils

06 - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
07 - 3 cups water
08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

→ Cumin Tahini Yogurt

14 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
15 - 2 tablespoons tahini
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

20 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
21 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
22 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
04 - Combine lentils, water, bay leaf, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes until lentils are tender but retain their shape. Drain and discard bay leaf.
05 - While lentils are still warm, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, diced red onion, and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
07 - Spread lemon lentils over a serving platter. Arrange roasted cauliflower on top. Drizzle generously with cumin tahini yogurt sauce.
08 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges. Can be served warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's naturally filling and takes less than an hour from start to finish, so you can actually make it on a weeknight without stress.
  • The combination of textures and flavors feels indulgent, but it's genuinely good for your gut with all those lentils and probiotics from yogurt.
  • One recipe, three components that all come together, making it feel like you've accomplished something without being fussy about it.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lemon zest in the warm lentils because citrus oils bloom best when they hit heat, and it makes the whole salad taste alive instead of just lemony.
  • The tahini sauce will thicken as it sits, so make it last if you like it pourable, and don't be afraid to whisk in extra water a tablespoon at a time to get the consistency you want.
03 -
  • Don't let lentils boil too aggressively because a gentle simmer keeps them from breaking apart and turning your dish into mush.
  • Taste your tahini sauce before serving because one extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon makes the difference between good and memorable.
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