If you love bold flavors, this Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe will steal your heart. I still remember tasting it first time at Cava. One bite and I was hooked.
Crispy edges. Spicy kick. Deep smoky taste. This Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe is now a regular in my kitchen.
Today, I will show you how to make Cava Fiery Broccoli at home. It is easy, comforting and full of flavor. You only need simple ingredients and a hot oven.
Why I Love Making This Fiery Broccoli
I love this dish because it feels fancy but stays simple. Broccoli turns magical when roasted well. The spicy sauce hugs every floret.
The smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone curious. I also love how fast it cooks. It saves busy weeknights.
This dish reminds me that vegetables can be exciting. They do not need to be boring at all.
Equipment List
- Large baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Cava Fiery Broccoli
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
- Calories: 140 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Cava Fiery Broccoli
- Fresh broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Harissa paste – 1½ tablespoons
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Optional chili flakes – ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F. High heat helps broccoli turn crispy and slightly charred.
2. Wash and Cut Broccoli
Wash broccoli well. Cut into medium florets. Try to keep sizes similar for even roasting.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix olive oil, harissa, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
4. Coat the Broccoli
Add broccoli to the bowl. Toss gently until every piece is well coated with sauce.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line baking sheet with parchment. Spread broccoli in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
6. Roast Until Crispy
Roast for 18 to 22 minutes. Flip once halfway for even browning.
7. Add Lemon and Honey
Remove from oven. Drizzle lemon juice and honey. Toss lightly for balance.
8. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust salt. Sprinkle chili flakes if you like extra heat. Serve warm.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Cut broccoli evenly for perfect roasting.
- Do not skip high oven heat. It makes crispy edges.
- Add grated parmesan for a rich twist.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option.
- Try cauliflower instead of broccoli for variety.
- Add toasted almonds for crunch.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Cava is known for bold Mediterranean flavors. Harissa comes from North Africa. It brings heat and depth.
Roasting vegetables with spices is common across Mediterranean kitchens. This fiery broccoli is inspired by that tradition. Simple vegetables become unforgettable with spice and heat.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe pairs beautifully with many meals. Serve it with grilled chicken or lamb. It also works well beside rice bowls.
Add it to pita wraps with hummus. It tastes amazing with lemon rice or quinoa. Even pasta loves this spicy side.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This dish fits many moments. Serve it at weeknight dinners. Add it to holiday spreads for color. Bring it to potlucks.
Guests always ask for the recipe. It also works for meal prep lunches. Healthy, spicy and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to three days.
- Reheat in oven for best texture.
- Avoid microwave if possible. It softens broccoli.
- Toss with fresh lemon after reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Health Benefits
Broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber. It supports digestion and immunity. Olive oil adds healthy fats.
Harissa contains spices with antioxidants. This dish is low calorie yet filling. It proves healthy food can taste bold and exciting.
Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Harissa paste – 1½ tablespoons
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Optional chili flakes – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 425°F. High heat helps broccoli turn crispy and slightly charred.
Wash and Cut Broccoli
- Wash broccoli well. Cut into medium florets. Try to keep sizes similar for even roasting.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, harissa, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
Coat the Broccoli
- Add broccoli to the bowl. Toss gently until every piece is well coated with sauce.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Line baking sheet with parchment. Spread broccoli in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
Roast Until Crispy
- Roast for 18 to 22 minutes. Flip once halfway for even browning.
Add Lemon and Honey
- Remove from oven. Drizzle lemon juice and honey. Toss lightly for balance.
Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust salt. Sprinkle chili flakes if you like extra heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut broccoli evenly for perfect roasting.
- Do not skip high oven heat. It makes crispy edges.
- Add grated parmesan for a rich twist.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option.
- Try cauliflower instead of broccoli for variety.
- Add toasted almonds for crunch.
FAQs about Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe
Can I make this recipe without harissa paste?
Yes, you can replace harissa with chili garlic sauce or red pepper paste. The flavor changes slightly but still tastes spicy and delicious.
How do I make Cava Fiery Broccoli less spicy?
Use less harissa and skip chili flakes. Add extra honey or lemon to balance the heat gently.
Can I air fry this recipe instead of roasting?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake basket halfway for even cooking.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well for three days. Reheat in oven to keep crispy texture.
What protein works best with this dish?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas or tofu pair very well. They balance the spicy flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cava Fiery Broccoli Recipe proves vegetables can be exciting. It is easy, fast and full of bold taste.
Once you try it, you will crave it again. Make it once and it becomes a habit. A spicy, crispy habit worth keeping.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.