🥦🧀 Honey Roasted Cauliflower with Grilled Halloumi & Crunchy Chickpeas
Mediterranean • Vegetarian • Protein-Rich
📝 Description
This colorful Mediterranean dish brings together caramelized honey-roasted cauliflower, salty grilled halloumi, and golden crunchy chickpeas. Finished with herbs and a bright lemony drizzle, it’s perfect as a wholesome main, elegant side, or meal-prep bowl. Every bite delivers contrast—sweet, savory, crispy, and creamy.
🧾 Ingredients
Roasted Cauliflower
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1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1½ tbsp honey
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp ground cumin
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Crunchy Chickpeas
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1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed & dried
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt to taste
Grilled Halloumi
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200 g halloumi cheese, sliced
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1 tsp olive oil
To Finish
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
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Optional: chili flakes or sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Toss cauliflower with olive oil, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking tray and roast 25–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and caramelized.
2️⃣ Make the Crunchy Chickpeas
On a second tray, toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Roast alongside cauliflower for 20–25 minutes, shaking once, until crispy.
3️⃣ Grill the Halloumi
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Lightly brush halloumi with olive oil and grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
4️⃣ Assemble
Arrange roasted cauliflower on a platter.
Top with grilled halloumi and crunchy chickpeas.
Finish with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and optional chili flakes.
🌿 Serving Ideas
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Serve over quinoa, bulgur, or couscous
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Add a spoon of tzatziki or tahini sauce
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Perfect as a meat-free Mediterranean dinner
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Swap halloumi for grilled tofu or roasted sweet potato slices.
Q: Is honey necessary?
A: Honey adds caramelization, but you can replace it with maple syrup or omit for savory-only.
Q: How do I keep chickpeas crispy?
A: Dry them very well before roasting and don’t overcrowd the tray.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Roast components ahead and reheat in the oven. Grill halloumi fresh for best texture.
Q: Is this healthy?
A: Absolutely. It’s rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and fits beautifully into a Mediterranean diet.
