Roasted Summer Vegetables with Harissa and Bulgur
A vibrant and simple summer dish packed with roasted vegetables, a spicy harissa kick, and nutty bulgur. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of fresh, bold flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
π Prep Time: 10 min
π³ Cook Time: 50 min
π½οΈ Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 5-6 small tomatoes, quartered
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, cut into thin strips
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 medium eggplant (~400 g), halved and sliced
- 1 can peeled tomatoes (400 g), crushed with a fork
- 1 tsp harissa paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 5-6 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 250 g bulgur (or couscous)
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (390Β°F). In a large roasting tray, combine the quartered tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, onion strips, crushed garlic, and sliced eggplant halves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with two pinches of salt. Toss well to coat all vegetables evenly in oil.
Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Add Harissa Tomato Sauce
Mix the canned crushed tomatoes with the harissa paste. Pour this sauce over the roasted vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld. - Cook Bulgur
While the vegetables finish roasting, prepare the bulgur according to package instructions (usually soaking in hot water or broth until fluffy). - Combine and Serve
Transfer the roasted vegetable mixture over the cooked bulgur. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for brightness and freshness.
π‘ Tips
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust harissa amount based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free alternative, swap bulgur with quinoa or rice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors have melded.
π― Perfect For
- Light summer meals
- Vegetarian lunches or dinners
- Meal prepping for the week
- Family gatherings and picnics
π Final Thoughts
This roasted vegetable and bulgur dish is a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy summer produce with a North African twist. Itβs hearty yet light, making it a perfect choice when you want something simple but satisfying.