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Harissa Cauliflower Steaks with Date Couscous

  • Prep-time: / Ready In:
  • Makes 4 steaks + 7 cups
  • Serving size: 1 steak and 1¾ cups couscous
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These big, beautiful, and perfectly tender cauliflower steaks have a rich caramelized flavor that tickles the taste buds and gives you a warm, satisfied feeling without being too heavy. The smoky, peppery flavor of harissa seasoning, combined with tart lemon juice and umami-rich soy sauce, brushed over the veggie steaks, goes well with the warmly spiced pearl couscous. The large couscous “grains” have a chewy, nutty texture and become sweet when cooked with dates and onion. Fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and coriander add depth, and crushed red pepper lends a spicy kick. If making this for children, feel free to reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether—heat lovers can always shake a few flakes over their meal at the dinner table. Garnish these gorgeous cauliflower steaks with fresh cilantro and serve them with a wedge of lemon juice.

Tips:

Harissa seasoning: Harissa is a  North African spice blend that’s readily available at supermarkets or online and is handy for adding flavor to all sorts of dishes. 

Grilling inside: Use a grill pan on the stovetop.

For more inspiration, check out these tasty ideas:

By Nancy Macklin, RDN,

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt-free harissa seasoning
  • 1¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • One 2¼ - to 2¾-lb. head cauliflower, trimmed and cut vertically into four 1½-inch-thick steaks
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped pitted dates
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 cups dry whole wheat pearl couscous
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  • In a small bowl whisk together broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, harissa seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Brush cauliflower steaks with broth mixture. Grill steaks, covered, over medium-high 12 to 15 minutes or until steaks are tender and lightly charred, turning and brushing with additional broth mixture once.
  • In a large saucepan combine onion, dates, ¼ cup of the cilantro, the cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups water. Bring to boiling. Stir in couscous; cover. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Toss to combine.
  • Serve cauliflower steaks with couscous. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 steak and 1¾ cups couscous): 531 calories, 116 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein, 3 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 680 mg sodium, 17 g fiber, 18 g sugar

Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.

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About the Author

Headshot of Nancy Macklin

About the Author

Nancy Macklin, RDN

Nancy Macklin has a bachelor of science in dietetics from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in health services administration from the University of Saint Francis. Macklin worked as a hospital-based clinical dietitian, providing counseling for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss and as a food service director in health care dining sites. She now serves as a test kitchen dietitian, developing 500+ recipes per year. She is a member of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics and International Association of Culinary Professionals. Find her on LinkedIn.
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