Harissa Paste Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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Harissa paste is a fiery and delicious condiment from North Africa that packs a punch. It combines spicy dried guajillo peppers, smoky roasted red peppers, and other tasty seasonings to create a flavor explosion that can elevate any dish!

Harissa paste is most commonly known for making harissa chicken, but it’s actually super versatile. Baste it on some grilled vegetables, add it to your favorite salad dressing, or mix into into homemade hummus for a delicious, fiery kick.

What is Harissa Paste?

Harissa paste is a spicy and flavorful condiment that originates from North African cuisine. It’s made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a bunch of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. This vibrant red paste brings the heat and a smoky, tangy kick to dishes. People in places like Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria use it to jazz up stews, soups, marinades, and dips. You can find it in some grocery stores and places like Trader Joe’s, but I personally like making it from scratch! It’s the secret weapon for adding a spicy punch to your cooking.

So, check out the ingredient list below and break out your spice rack because harissa paste is a must-make! Like other homemade sauces, you can customize it to your liking. Add more heat, tone it down, make it more savory, you name it! Then you have a tasty blend to add heat and flavor to your favorite dishes. Harissa paste is so great! You’ll love having it around.

Ingredients Needed

I know it looks like a lot, but harissa paste actually uses really simple ingredients! Pick up some peppers and a can of tomato paste from the store, then raid your pantry for all of the spices and seasonings! Note: exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Dried Guajillo Peppers: These dried peppers pack some serious heat and bring a rich, smoky flavor to the harissa paste.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to balance out the spiciness.
• Roasted Red Peppers: You can use canned or jarred. Roasted red peppers bring a delightful smokiness to the mix.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a flavor superstar, and it really shines in harissa paste. It makes it so savory and irresistible!
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil not only helps bind all the ingredients together but also contributes a smooth and luscious texture to the harissa paste.
• Salt: You only need a pinch to bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
• Spices and Herbs: This recipe calls for a blend of ground caraway, coriander, cumin, and clove. Together, this mixture adds flavor that’s warm, nutty, earthy, and spicy!

How to Make Harissa Paste

It’s so simple! All you have to do is let your peppers soak in hot water and then blend all of your ingredients together. You’ll have a tasty paste ready to use in no time.

1. Soak Chile Peppers: Add your dried chiles to a heat-proof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Allow them to soak and soften for about 30 minutes.
2. Add Other Ingredients to a Food Processor: While your chiles are soaking, place your tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and all your spices into a food processor or blender.
3. Blend: Once your chiles are ready, add them to your food processor or blender and blend everything together until a smooth paste forms.
4. Use or Store: Remove the harissa paste and add it to a container with a lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.