Arnabit Harra/ Spicy Cauliflower

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Inspired by Lebanese batata harra, which has always been one of my favorite dishes, arnabeet harra is a delicious twist on the classic. In this version, cauliflower replaces the traditional starchy potatoes.

Arnabit Harra (also known as Arnabeet Harra) features crispy cauliflower tossed in a spicy, tangy, and herb-filled sauce. The name literally translates to “spicy cauliflower” in Arabic. When prepared properly, cauliflower makes a wonderful low-carb alternative to potatoes. This recipe is so delicious, you will be fighting over the last portion!

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How to Make Arnabeet Harra

First, roast the cauliflower until nicely browned. Then, cook the crushed garlic in warm olive oil until fragrant. Add the chopped cilantro and sauté for about 1 minute, until the cilantro wilts and reduces in volume.

Stir in the red pepper paste, stirring constantly until the paste darkens slightly and blends well with the oil.

Add the roasted cauliflower florets and gently toss to coat them evenly with the garlicky red pepper paste. Finish with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.

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Ingredients Needed

  • 2 medium heads of cauliflower

  • Garlic

  • Cilantro

  • Red pepper paste

  • Salt

  • Chili flakes or crushed red habaneros

  • Olive oil

  • Lemon

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Tips and Tricks

  • Use fresh cauliflower and avoid frozen cauliflower.

  • Cut the florets into similar-sized, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

  • You can fry the cauliflower instead of roasting it in the oven. I assure you, it tastes even better! However, I have been more health-conscious these days and am trying to replace deep-fried foods with healthier alternatives.

  • You can make our red pepper paste recipe on the blog or use store-bought red pepper paste.

  • Lebanese cauliflower harra is a special and indulgent treat, and this recipe is completely vegan.

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Roast or Air-Fry the Cauliflower Florets

You have two options: you can air-fry the cauliflower or roast it in the oven.

To Air-Fry the Cauliflower

Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. You will need to cook them in batches.

Air-fry the florets, turning them about halfway through, until they are completely tender and the edges begin to turn golden brown, about 20 minutes.

To Roast the Cauliflower in the Oven

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or sunflower oil.

Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for 22 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the cauliflower florets. Return the cauliflower to the oven and roast for another 22 minutes.

Flipping the cauliflower halfway through roasting is essential for achieving beautifully golden, crispy edges.

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More Lebanese-Style cauliflower recipes

If you make Arnabeet Harra, leave your comment or share your pictures on Facebook, I would like to see yur creation.

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Arnabeet Harra

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Servings 3
Course
#Mezze

Appetizer

Main Course
Cuisine
Lebanese

Description

Ingredients
 

  • 2 medium heads of caulflower both weighing 1500 kg /3.3 lb
  • 1 small garlic head
  • 1/2 cup olive oil divided between roasting the cauliflower florets and making the sauce
  • 1 cup cilantro finely chopped, stems removed
  • 1 red Habanero or chili optional
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper paste check the one on our blog or use a ready one from the market
  • Juice of 1 large lemon

Instructions
 

  • Use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, trying to make them as evenly sized as possible.
  • To clean the cauliflower, place the florets in a bowl, cover them with water, and add a splash of white vinegar. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then rinse them under running water and drain well.
  • To roast the cauliflower in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer. Season with salt and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the cauliflower florets. Return them to the oven and roast for another 22 minutes. Flipping the cauliflower halfway through roasting is essential for achieving golden, crispy edges.
  • Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic cloves together with the red habanero or red chili.
  • Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the crushed garlic and chopped cilantro, stir well, then add the red pepper paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Gently add the roasted cauliflower florets and toss everything together for another 2 minutes.
  • Squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon.
  • Finish with the lemon juice, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Serve with Arabic bread, and happy eating!

Video

Notes

Frying the cauliflower florets instead of roasting them creates an even crispier version, with a tender interior and a deliciously crispy exterior.
Keyword cauliflower, cilantro, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Paste
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

 

 

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1 Comment

  • 5 stars
    Thank you for the recipe. It’s a favourite of mine that I don’t cook often enough.

5 from 1 vote

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Hadia Zebib is a cook, baker and author. She acquired a reputation for being a good cook after entertaining dinner guests for more than 30 years, and her husband encouraged her, telling her that she should write a cookbook. She started her food blog, Hadia’s Lebanese Cuisine. Over time, millions of people have visited her site in search of Lebanese and Middle Eastern recipes.

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