Harissa Recipe - Tunisian Hot Chili Sauce

dried chili peppers

🥗Healthier: fresh chili peppers

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Fresh peppers offer a vibrant flavor, while cayenne is more accessible.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil maintains a similar texture with a higher smoke point.

smoked paprika

🥗Healthier: regular paprika

💰Cheaper: sweet paprika

Regular paprika can substitute without the smoky flavor.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder provides a similar flavor in a pinch.

Fire roast red bell peppers over an open flame until charred, then place in a plastic bag to steam.

Blanch garlic cloves, Fresno chilis, and habanero in boiling salted water for 3 minutes.

Remove garlic skins and seeds from the peppers after cooling.

Toast coriander and caraway seeds in a small dry sauté pan over medium heat until fragrant.

Crush toasted seeds with a mortar and pestle, adding ground cumin, dried mint, and salt.

Blend roasted peppers, garlic, and crushed spices in a blender, adding lemon juice and light olive oil.

Drizzle in extra virgin olive oil towards the end of blending for flavor.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary