If I am hosting a party, my pick will be bite-size appetizers like these tortilla pinwheels or these cucumber cream cheese crackers. If I am craving something warm then Mushroom Manchurian and Szechuan Panner Cigars are my favorite picks.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a spicy tangy chili sauce or a paste made of dry red chiles (smoked), garlic, olive oil, mint, lemon, and a blend of warm spices including cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. This sauce originated in Tunisia. It is a widely used condiment in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. This sauce is fiery, tangy and so delicious. Harissa comes in jars and is easily available in all leading departmental stores and online.
Substitute for Harissa.
If Harissa isn’t available, swap it with the hot sauce of your choice. Sriracha, red chili sauce, tabasco, sambal olek, or gochujang works well. As every sauce has a different spice level, you will have to use your judgment. Start with as little as 2 teaspoons, taste the marinade and add more if needed.
Ingredients to make popcorn cauliflower.
This recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients probably sitting in your fridge and pantry.
The marinade.
Big cauliflower florets are tossed in this creamy yogurt marinade. Whisk harissa, basic spices, and rice flour with yogurt to make it. Rice flour helps the yogurt batter to stick to the cauliflower. You can swap it with roasted chickpea flour or blanched almond flour.
My secret to making it crunchy.
Coat the cauliflower with panko bread crumbs and liberally drizzle oil all over. Bake on high heat and you will get the crispiest harissa cauliflower. When you bite into them, they feel like popcorn, crunchy and yummy.
The dip.
This yogurt tahini dip with a dash of harissa and fresh herbs is simply amazing. Make sure to make plenty of it because your guests are going to love it.
Steps to make it.
Transfer it to the greased baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle or spray some oil all over. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top, is crispy and golden brown.
Easy Vegan Substitute.
Simply swap the yogurt with non-dairy alternatives like coconut or soy yogurt.
Turn it gluten-free.
Make sure to use gluten-free panko bread crumbs. KEEP IN TOUCH – Are we friends yet? Let’s connect on Facebook| Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter. Never miss a recipe. Please subscribe to my blog. It is free! Check out easy recipe videos on my YouTube channel now! Pin this photo for future reference.
Easy Party Appetizers to try!
Pav Bhaji Fondue Caprese Bruschetta Ricotta Cheese Balls Cheese Masala Corn Dip Jalapeno Spinach Cream Cheese Dip
Let’s make Harissa Popcorn Cauliflower.
