Pin this The smell of charred broccoli hit me the moment I opened the oven, and I thought I'd ruined dinner. But then I tasted it: crispy, smoky, with that deep heat from the harissa clinging to every edge. It was a Tuesday night, nothing special, but that bite made me stop mid-chew and think, this is exactly what I needed. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you throw together without a plan, and this flatbread situation became one of those happy accidents I kept making on purpose.
I made this for friends who claimed they didnt like broccoli, and they went quiet for a solid minute before asking for seconds. We sat around the table tearing off pieces of warm flatbread, scooping up the charred florets, and laughing about how something so simple could feel like a proper feast. That night taught me that good food doesnt need to be complicated, it just needs to be bold enough to make people pay attention.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Two large heads give you plenty of florets, and cutting them into similar sizes means they roast evenly without some pieces burning while others stay pale.
- Harissa paste: This is where the magic lives, a smoky, spicy North African chili paste that clings to the broccoli and caramelizes in the oven.
- Olive oil: It helps the harissa coat every surface and encourages those crispy, golden edges that make this dish addictive.
- Lemon: Fresh wedges cut through the heat and richness, adding brightness right before serving.
- Flatbreads: Naan or pita work beautifully, soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold all that broccoli without falling apart.
- Greek yogurt: Cool, tangy, and optional, but it balances the spice in a way that feels luxurious.
- Fresh cilantro: A handful of chopped leaves adds a pop of color and herbal freshness that ties everything together.
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) so its roaring hot and ready to crisp up the broccoli. A hot oven is the secret to getting those charred edges without steaming the florets.
- Coat the broccoli:
- Toss the florets with harissa paste and olive oil on a large baking sheet, using your hands to really work the paste into every nook. Spread them in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
- Roast until crispy:
- Slide the sheet into the oven and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Youre looking for crispy tips and a bit of char on the edges.
- Warm the flatbreads:
- In the last 5 minutes, tuck the flatbreads onto a lower rack or directly on the oven rack. They just need to warm through and soften a bit.
- Assemble and serve:
- Pull everything out, pile the broccoli onto the flatbreads, and squeeze lemon wedges over the top. Add yogurt and cilantro if you want that cooling contrast, then serve right away while its all hot.
Pin this One winter evening I served this to my sister, who was having a rough week, and she ate it curled up on the couch with the flatbread folded like a taco. She didnt say much, but she finished every bite and texted me the next day asking for the recipe. Sometimes food is just comfort dressed up in a little spice, and thats enough.
Making It Your Own
If you want more protein, crumbled feta or a handful of roasted chickpeas scattered on top turns this into an even heartier meal. I once added both and it felt like a full Mediterranean feast without any extra effort. For a vegan version, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, it works just as well for cooling down the heat.
Adjusting the Spice
Harissa can range from mildly smoky to face-meltingly hot depending on the brand, so start with two tablespoons if youre unsure. You can always drizzle a little extra on your own portion after tasting, and the yogurt acts like a fire extinguisher if you go too bold. I learned this the hard way after a particularly aggressive jar left my mouth tingling for ten minutes.
Serving and Storage
This dish is best eaten right away while the broccoli is still crispy and the flatbreads are warm and soft. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day, but the broccoli will lose some of its crunch and the flatbreads will firm up. If you do reheat, a quick blast in a hot oven brings back a bit of that roasted magic.
- Reheat leftover broccoli in a 200°C oven for 5 minutes to crisp it up again.
- Warm flatbreads wrapped in foil to keep them from drying out.
- Store any extra yogurt and cilantro separately so they stay fresh.
Pin this This meal has become my go-to when I want something fast, filling, and just a little bit exciting. I hope it lands on your table on one of those nights when you need dinner to feel like more than just fuel.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons for mild heat, or increase to 4 tablespoons for extra spice. You can also mix harissa with extra olive oil to dilute the heat while maintaining flavor.
- → What can I use instead of flatbreads?
Any flatbread works well - naan, pita, lavash, or tortillas. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flatbreads or serve the broccoli over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the roasted broccoli separately from flatbreads in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat broccoli in a 200°C oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Warm flatbreads in the oven or on a skillet.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Crumbled feta cheese, roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or pan-fried tofu all complement the harissa broccoli beautifully. Add them during the last 5 minutes of roasting or serve on top.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prep. Roast the broccoli in advance and store it separately. When ready to eat, reheat the broccoli and warm fresh flatbreads. Keep yogurt and garnishes separate until serving.
- → What other vegetables work well with harissa?
Cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts all roast beautifully with harissa. You can mix vegetables or substitute based on what's available, keeping similar roasting times in mind.