Name: Olive, Cauliflower & Harissa Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets, stalks and leaves finely chopped; 200g cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; small handful of parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 25g pitted green olives, halved; 2 tbsp rose harissa; 150g dairy-free wholemeal pasta of your choice (such as pappardelle; gluten-free if needed)

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Introduction

This vibrant olive, cauliflower, and harissa pasta is a delightful dish that balances spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it combines tender cauliflower with tangy tomatoes and a kick of rose harissa for a satisfying meal.

A round pan filled with wide, curled yellow pasta ribbons mixed with small, cooked cauliflower florets, light green olives, and halved cherry tomatoes, all coated in a slightly oily, reddish sauce with visible herbs. The dish is sprinkled with chopped fresh green parsley on top for color. The pan handle is visible and the pan rests on a textured, peach-colored cloth over a white marbled surface. Next to the pan is a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets, stalks and leaves finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato purée
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 garlic cloves, crushed
25g pitted green olives, halved
2 tbsp rose harissa
150g dairy-free wholemeal pasta of your choice (such as pappardelle; gluten-free if needed)
small handful of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets, stalks, and leaves. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the cauliflower is lightly browned and softened.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato purée and cherry tomatoes. Cover again and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst.
Step 3: Add the crushed garlic, halved olives, and rose harissa. Cook for 2–3 minutes more until fragrant.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a mugful of the cooking water.
Step 5: Stir the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water into the tomato and cauliflower mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Scatter the finely chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the harissa. To make it creamier, stir in a splash of coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt before serving.
Use any pasta shape you prefer; short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works well to catch the sauce.
If you don’t have green olives, black olives can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave until warmed through. The pasta is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well when stored properly.

How to Serve

The image shows a large pan filled with wide, ribbon-like pasta that is yellow-orange in color, mixed with chunks of cauliflower and small pieces of green olives and tomatoes. The pasta and vegetables are coated in a reddish-orange sauce that gives a warm, rich look. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding fresh color. The pan is on top of a soft, peach-colored cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the pan is a small white bowl filled with more chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of dairy-free?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Choose your favorite type and cook according to package directions.

Is rose harissa spicy?

Rose harissa has a mild to moderate heat level with aromatic floral notes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference or substitute with regular harissa if you prefer a stronger kick.