You love spicy food and are a fan of the CAVA restaurant? Then this spicy CAVA fiery broccoli topping copycat recipe is just what you need. They called it fiery broccoli because of its spiciness. This spicy topping is a great way to add some spice to any salad or plant based meal. CAVA used this spicy topping on their market spice bowl and Spicy Greens bowl to make a great tasting meal.
I found the recipe on their Instagram page, but it wasn’t clear and was meant for large quantities. So, I made some modifications and adjusted the recipe for small servings. Now, you can easily recreate this fiery delight at home, perfectly portioned for your needs.
What Spices Are Used for This CAVA Fiery Broccoli?
4 types of spices are used in this recipe: Aleppo Pepper, Chipotle Powder, Green Chili Peppers Powder and Oregano. These are the main spices used to make this fiery topping.
Now you may ask me, why Aleppo Pepper, Olivia?!! Well, because if you want to taste the real
Fiery Broccoli like CAVA then you definitely need to use this spice. It delivers a rich flavor and tastes like raisins and sun dried tomatoes.
How To Make The Fiery Broccoli Recipe at Home?
Making this spicy topping is so easy at home. All you have to do is: gather the ingredients, mix the spices and toss with the broccoli by adding olive oil and salt to taste. Below you will get the detailed recipe👇
Fiery Broccoli Ingredients
- Broccoli: 150 grams (about half a medium of broccoli)
- Aleppo Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (0.6 grams)
- Chipotle Powder: 1/8 teaspoon (0.4 grams)
- Green Chili Peppers Powder: about 5 grams
- Oregano: 1/4 teaspoon (0.3 grams)
- Coriander: 1/8 teaspoon ground (0.3 grams)
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams)
Fiery Broccoli Recipe Instructions
Step 01: Chopped the broccoli
Chop the freshly washed broccoli into small pieces (like the image shown below) and put it in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 02: Mixing The Spices
Now take another medium mixing bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, half teaspoon Green Chili Peppers Powder, 1/8 teaspoon Chipotle Powder, 1/4 teaspoon Oregano, 1/8 teaspoon Coriander and 1 teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar. Mix the spices thoroughly..
Step 03: Preparing The Fiery Broccoli Topping
Add the spice mix to the top of the chopped broccoli, add 1 tablespoon of olive and salt based on taste but I would recommend adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix with a spoon or a spatula to evenly coat the broccoli.
That’s it your Fiery Broccoli Topping (CAVA Copycat) is ready to be used in your CAVA Market Spice bowl or Spicy Greens bowl.
Alternatives For Aleppo Pepper For This Topping
Aleppo pepper is the key ingredient that brings real taste to this recipe. But if you are not able to find it or not suitable for you then you can try these alternatives:
- Red Pepper Flakes and Smoked Paprika (Combination): This is the closest substitute I tried in terms of both heat and smoky flavor. Use half the amount of red pepper flakes compared to Aleppo pepper (so 1/8 teaspoon in this recipe) to achieve a similar profile without overpowering spiciness. Add a pinch of smoked paprika (around 1/4 teaspoon) to complement the smokiness of Aleppo pepper.
- Maras Pepper Flakes: Maras pepper flakes offer a similar fruity and smoky character to Aleppo pepper, although they might be slightly spicier. Start with a slightly lower amount (around 1/8 teaspoon) and adjust based on your spice preference.
- Urfa Biber: This Turkish pepper provides a deep red color and a fruity-smoky taste similar to Aleppo pepper. However, Urfa Biber is milder in heat. You can use the same amount (1/4 teaspoon) as Aleppo pepper in the recipe.
Important Note: When you are using any of these substitutes, remember that they might vary slightly in heat level compared to Aleppo pepper. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to achieve your desired spice level.
Perfect Pairing With This Recipe
- Market Spice Bowl: This is a great option if you want a more balanced heat. The broccoli adds a kick, but the other ingredients in the Market Spice Bowl—like the hummus, tzatziki, and tomato cucumber salad—cool things down a bit. It’s like a flavor rollercoaster, with bursts of spice followed by refreshing coolness.
- Spicy Greens Bowl: If you’re a heat seeker, this is your jam. The Spicy Greens Bowl already has a good amount of spice going on with the harissa vinaigrette and the falafel. Adding the fiery broccoli just intensifies that heat. It’s a full-on flavor explosion for spice lovers.
- Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Cut some potatoes into cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some chopped rosemary. Roast them in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. When they’re done, sprinkle them with the fiery broccoli for a surprising and delicious twist on a classic side dish.
For Drinks:
- CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime: The cool, refreshing cucumber mint lime drink is the perfect counterpoint to the spicy heat of the broccoli. The cucumber and mint will help to cleanse your palate between bites, while the lime adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the spices. It’s a classic pairing for a reason—it works!
- CAVA Blueberry Lavender: This is a more adventurous pairing, but it could be really interesting! The sweetness of the blueberry will help to tame the heat of the broccoli, while the floral notes of the lavender will add a unique flavor dimension. It might be a bit of a surprise at first, but the sweet and floral could complement the savory and spicy in a delightful way.
FAQs
Let me answer some questions you may ask
What Is Cava Fiery Broccoli?
Cava Fiery Broccoli is a signature topping used in some of their bowls, like the Market Spice Bowl and Spicy Greens Bowl. It’s made with broccoli florets tossed in a blend of spices for a flavorful and spicy kick.
Is Cava Fiery Broccoli Vegan?
Yes! Cava’s Fiery Broccoli is typically vegan-friendly. Just double-check the ingredients list at Cava to be sure, as sometimes recipes can vary slightly.
Is Fiery Broccoli From Cava Spicy?
Yes, the fiery broccoli packs a punch! The spice level comes from Aleppo pepper, chipotle powder, and chili flakes. However, the heat is balanced by other ingredients in Cava’s bowls, like the hummus or tzatziki sauce.
What If My Fiery Broccoli Topping Isn’t Spicy Enough?
Add more Aleppo pepper or chili flakes to taste. Be careful though, Aleppo pepper can have a lingering heat.
This is the best spicy topping you’ll ever try! If you want to try other spicy toppings or sauces then try exploring these recipes I already shared: Longhorn Steakhouse Seasoning, Hot Sauce, Zhong Sauce, Chili Sauce.
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