Spiced Cauliflower Chraime Reimagines a Classic Stew

If you've ever wished for a plant-based meal that feels both globally inspired and deeply comforting, let this be your next kitchen adventure. Spiced Cauliflower Chraime, a North African-style stew rooted in Jewish tradition, blends bold spices with sweet undertones for a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.

Traditionally made with fish and served during Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashana and Passover, chraime (derived from an Arabic word meaning "hot") is a beloved staple among Sephardic Jewish communities. This modern, vegan twist puts cauliflower center stage bringing new life to an old-world classic without compromising the soul of the dish.

A Vegan Take on a Time-Honored Recipe

In this version, hearty cauliflower wedges stand in for fish, gently simmered in a robust tomato broth infused with a medley of spices. The result is a stew that’s smoky, tangy, subtly sweet, and completely satisfying.

Here’s what makes this dish special:

• Cauliflower takes on the flavor and hue of the spice-rich sauce while becoming tender enough to flake apart like traditional white fish.

• Golden raisins add juicy sweetness that plays beautifully against the heat of smoked paprika and crushed red pepper.

• Date syrup (or maple syrup) finishes the dish with a silky touch of richness, perfectly balancing the tomatoes' acidity.

To round it out, serve this stew over couscous, fluffy rice, or quinoa for a complete, protein-packed meal. Want to boost the nutrition even more? Toss in chickpeas or cubes of tofu for an extra layer of heartiness.

A Celebration Dish But Also a Weeknight Win

While chraime is often saved for special occasions like Shabbat or Passover, this plant-forward version fits seamlessly into any weeknight rotation. It’s also naturally free of chametz, making it an ideal option during Passover for those observing dietary restrictions.

Notable nutrition facts:

• Cauliflower is packed with vitamin C, providing over 75% of your daily intake in just one cup.

• Turmeric, one of the standout spices in the dish, contains curcumin, a compound studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Date syrup, a traditional Middle Eastern sweetener, offers antioxidants and minerals not typically found in refined sugar.

How to Make It at Home

You'll need one small head of cauliflower and pantry staples like tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, and a variety of warm spices think cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The full recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and simmers beautifully in a single skillet.

The process is simple:

1. Sauté the aromatics onion, garlic, and tomato paste with the spices to deepen their flavor.

2. Simmer with broth, diced tomatoes, and raisins, nestling in cauliflower wedges so they soak up the goodness.

3. Finish with lemon juice, date syrup, and fresh cilantro, and serve hot over your grain of choice.

More Than Just a Meal

What makes this dish more than just dinner is its story. Chraime connects generations across continents from Libyan kitchens to Tel Aviv apartments to family homes around the world. Its spices are fragrant reminders of heritage, while its adaptable ingredients embrace modern tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, gathering with friends, or simply looking for a new favorite vegan meal, Spiced Cauliflower Chraime invites you to cook with intention, eat with joy, and share generously.

Share this recipe or subscribe to our newsletter for more globally inspired dishes and stories.