If you love bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe is sure to become your new go-to for weeknight dinners or gatherings. The magic lies in tossing your favorite veggies with smoky-sweet harissa paste, a drizzle of olive oil, and a hint of honey or maple syrup, then roasting until every bite is perfectly caramelized. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and it packs both nutrition and a little kick of heat to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe couldn’t be easier, and each one brings its own special touch. The veggies provide color and crunch, harissa adds warmth, and a touch of honey or maple syrup balances everything with sweetness.
- Mixed vegetables (4 cups): Choose a medley like carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion for variety, color, and texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the vegetables roast beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- Harissa paste (1 to 2 tablespoons): The star of the show—brings smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy notes; adjust to your preferred heat level.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to balance the heat and deepen the caramelization as the veggies roast.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a savory backbone and enhances the harissa’s complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together and making the veggies pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): A sprinkle of green on top for a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, which is the perfect temperature for getting those irresistible crispy edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup and prevents the veggies from sticking or burning.
Step 2: Make the Harissa Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa paste, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is where all those big flavors come together. Don’t be shy to taste and adjust the harissa if you like things a little spicier or milder.
Step 3: Toss the Vegetables
Add your chopped vegetables to the bowl and toss them well until every piece is evenly coated with the harissa mixture. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor and that the vegetables roast evenly.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Spread the coated vegetables out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so they roast instead of steam. Pop them into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through so they caramelize and brown on all sides.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the veggies are tender and slightly charred on the edges, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a hit of freshness that perfectly balances the bold flavors. For a little extra flair, try a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
This Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe shines next to fluffy couscous, quinoa, or steamed rice. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled meats or fish, or tucked into a warm pita with hummus for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these veggies into a stunning grain bowl, toss them with cooked pasta, or pile them high on a platter for a colorful centerpiece at your next dinner party. They’re even delicious cold, tucked into lunchboxes or salads the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
While fresh is best for texture, you can freeze the roasted vegetables in a sealed container for up to three months. Just know that some veggies may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavors remain bold and delicious.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-roasted magic, reheat the vegetables in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 8–10 minutes. A quick toss in a skillet over medium heat also works wonders, helping them regain their crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly flexible. Try sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or even chickpeas for extra protein and variety.
What is harissa paste, and where can I find it?
Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted peppers and spices. Most grocery stores carry it in the international aisle, or you can find it easily online.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on your harissa paste and how much you use. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and add more if you like things hot—remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away!
Can I make the Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and roast the vegetables ahead, then reheat them just before serving. They’re also delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
What protein would pair well with these veggies?
These vegetables are fantastic with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. For a vegan option, try them with chickpea patties, tofu, or a dollop of creamy hummus.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a burst of flavor and color to your table, give this Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe a try. It’s simple enough for busy nights but special enough to impress your friends. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Print
Harissa Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: North African-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Harissa Roasted Vegetables recipe is a vibrant, flavorful side dish featuring a colorful mix of fresh vegetables coated in a spicy harissa and olive oil blend, then oven-roasted to tender perfection. It’s a simple, healthy vegan dish inspired by North African flavors, perfect for pairing with grains or adding to your meal for a burst of warmth and spice.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion)
Harissa Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Harissa Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa paste (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste for spiciness), honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the Vegetables: Add the mixed chopped vegetables to the bowl with the harissa dressing and toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spicy mixture.
- Roast: Spread the coated vegetables out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even cooking, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish or over grains for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Harissa paste heat levels vary; begin with 1 tablespoon and add more to suit your taste.
- This recipe is versatile and works well with root vegetables, squashes, or even chickpeas for added protein.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the harissa paste used does not contain any gluten ingredients.
- To make it nut-free, verify that the harissa paste does not contain nuts or cross-contamination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
