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Spicy Harissa Paste

Anyone else have a hot sauce obsession? I just honestly think pretty much every dish can be improved by a little spice. And every dish is different and needs its own style – a dozen different hot sauces are a necessity.

Harissa is a hot chile paste from northern Africa, and it has become a major staple in my hot sauce arsenal. If you like even a little tangy, tasty spice in your dishes, you’ve got to try this.

Spicy Harissa Paste

Harissa has a nice kick, but it’s the flavor that truly stands out – it’s not pure overwhelming heat but a deep, zesty flavor that enhances the dish.

Think sriracha, but African-style: roasted red pepper + spices + lemon juice instead of Asian flavors. Also because like sriracha, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything – eggs, pasta, soups, it goes on and on. It’s especially killer paired with goat cheese.

Spicy Harissa Paste

I was introduced to harissa a few years back when the Maisano family dinner theme was African and got instantly hooked. This recipe makes a good amount and it keeps in the fridge for quite a long time.

More power to you if you find authentic varieties of dried chiles, but I’ve made harissa with anything available and it comes out delicious every time. My local grocery store in Colorado has a great Latin food selection, so this batch used a combination of mild chile de ristra and hotter chile de arbol. I also like guajillo and new mexico chiles, and you can always use fresh as well.

Pssst – you might notice a new share button below recipes now. Yummly is a recipe box that saves & organizes recipes in collections, so you can find that one recipe that you wanted to make last year and never got around to again. It’s also a great way to find new recipes based on reviews & comments!

Spicy Harissa Paste

Mountain Cravings
Harissa is a spicy chile paste with a deep, tangy flavor and a nice kick!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Sauces, Dips, & Spreads
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 1 cups
Calories 12 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz. dried chiles
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 t. caraway
  • 1 t. coriander
  • 1 t. cumin
  • 1/2 t. dried mint
  • 1 t. kosher salt
  • 2 T. lemon juice
  • 2-4 T. olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Put chiles in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak until softened, about 30 minutes.
  • While chiles are soaking, roast the red pepper. Slice in half and place cut side down on a foil-covered sheet. Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes, until completely softened.
  • Place red pepper in a sealed bag to cool, then peel and seed.
  • Drain softened chiles and remove the stems and seeds.
  • Combine chiles, red pepper, garlic, spices, lemon juice, and 2 T. olive oil in a blender or food processor. Pulse into a smooth, thick paste. Add more olive oil if needed.
  • Pour into a jar and top with a thin layer of olive oil.
  • Store in the fridge and add to everything.

Notes

You can substitute dried chiles with twice as many fresh, or use a combination - e.g. 8 oz. fresh, or 2 oz. dried & 4 oz. fresh.
  • Yes, your morning deserves buttermilk biscuits smothered in spicy-sweet butter! Add rich heat to butter-and-honey-drizzle for next-level breakfast.
    Harissa Honey Butter
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
  • Simple Feel-Good Veggie Soup

15 January 2016 Tagged With: African, Low Carb, Sauces Dips & Spreads

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Recipes from my kitchen are inspired by the seasons, the mountains, and feeding the people I love. I hope you discover a passion for cooking & try a new favorite! MORE →

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