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The Versatile Chili Paste YOU NEED | Homemade Harissa Paste from North Africa

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Harissa

Cultural Context

Originating from Tunisia, Harissa is a vibrant chili paste that plays a vital role in North African cuisine. Traditionally made with a blend of spices and chilies, it adds depth and heat to various dishes, from stews to grilled meats. Today, Harissa has found its way into kitchens worldwide, embraced for its versatility and bold flavor, often used to spice up everything from dips to marinades.

TunisianTNother
15 min
easy
8 servings
Servings4
6 ancho peppers
6 guajillo peppers
3 pasilla peppers
chile de arbol
hot water
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
6 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
juice from 1 lemon
1 roasted red bell pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons olive oil

dried red chilies

🥗Healthier: fresh red peppers

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Fresh peppers provide a milder flavor, while cayenne is more readily available.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is healthier, while vegetable oil is more cost-effective.

1

Remove the stems and deseed the dried chili peppers (ancho, guajillo, pasilla, and chile de arbol).

2

Lightly toast the deseeded peppers in a dry pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side until they puff up and change color.

3

Transfer the toasted peppers to a bowl and pour hot water over them to cover. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until soft.

4

In the same dry pan, toast 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

5

Grind the toasted seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until fine.

6

Drain the softened peppers and add them to a food processor along with the ground spices, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 cloves of garlic, and juice from 1 lemon.

7

Optionally, add 1 roasted red bell pepper and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the food processor.

8

Process the mixture until it forms a thick paste.

9

While processing, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to thicken the paste further.

10

Optionally, strain the harissa through a food mill for a smoother texture.

Cooking Techniques

blendingtoasting

Equipment Needed

food processormortar and pestledry panbowlfood mill

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-freelow-carbpaleo

Also Known As

Harissa PasteHarissa Sauce

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