Easy Harissa Recipe (How To Make )

dried red chilies

🥗Healthier: fresh red chilies

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Fresh chilies provide a vibrant flavor, while cayenne is more accessible.

rose petals

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs can mimic the floral notes at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

cumin seeds

💰Cheaper: ground cumin

Ground cumin is easier to find and use.

Chop the tops off the dried red chilies and remove the stems.

Slice one onion thinly.

Squeeze juice and zest from one lemon.

Roast the red bell pepper under a broiler until charred, then peel off the skin.

Chop the roasted red bell pepper.

Toast the spices: paprika, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a medium-sized sauce pot with half of the olive oil until fragrant.

Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot, sweating the onions until they release their flavors.

Add minced garlic to the pot.

Add the tomato paste and toast it slightly.

Add the roasted red bell pepper and all the dried chilies to the pot.

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and honey, stirring to combine.

Add 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 30 minutes, check the seasoning and adjust with salt if needed.

Once most of the liquid has evaporated, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture to a chunky consistency.

Fold in the lemon zest and squeeze in the lemon juice.

Let the harissa cool down before storing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: