Harissa Paste | The Curry Man
         
I can’t bear in mind the final time I didn’t have selfmade harissa paste readily available. I make an enormous batch a few times each month. Harissa is initially from North Africa, particularly Tunisia. It’s a wealthy, smoky chilli paste that has travelled the world due to its versatility and unforgettable style.
This paste is way over simply “spicy.” Oh no! It’s a cautious stability of warmth, smokiness, and savoury depth, with notes of garlic, heat spices, and typically, as on this recipe, even citrus. When you make it at house, you’ll perceive why I find it irresistible a lot.
What Is Harissa Paste?
Harissa is a chilli-based paste that originated in Tunisia however can also be standard throughout Morocco, Algeria, and different North African cuisines. For that matter, it’s now extremely popular in southern Europe and worldwide.
Historically, it’s made by pounding dried purple chillies, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway, and olive oil right into a thick paste.
The result’s a deeply spiced, smoky, savoury condiment that can be utilized in numerous methods: stirred into soups, rubbed onto meats, whisked into dressings, and even dolloped on eggs for breakfast.
Relying on the area (and the prepare dinner), harissa can range in warmth, consistency, and added elements. Some variations are fiery and oily, others gentle and aromatic, with additions like roasted peppers, preserved lemon, or mint.
Components
Contemporary and top of the range elements are key to getting the most effective flavour from this harissa paste recipe. You’ll discover the elements listed under, whereas the exact quantities are supplied within the recipe card on the finish of the web page. It’s a good suggestion to have all the pieces measured and ready earlier than you start.

See recipe card for portions.
Following are hyperlinks to the elements I exploit. I’m an amazon affiliate and can make a couple of pennies in the event you click on on an ingredient and buy it.
Step-by-step photographs
Under, you’ll see step-by-step images to information you thru the recipe. On the backside of the web page, you’ll additionally discover the total recipe card, which incorporates the entire checklist of elements and written directions in a simple, printable format.

- Step 1: Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds and caraway over a medium warmth till heat to the contact and aromatic.
 

- Step 2: Utilizing a spice grinder or pestle and mortar, grind the toasted entire spices to a course or discover powder. Put aside.
 

- Step 3: Warmth a pan over a medium-high warmth. Add the chillies and dry fry them, stirring recurrently for a few minutes or till heat to the contact and aromatic. Watch out to not burn them.
 

- Step 4: Add water to the pan and produce to a simmer. Then take off the warmth and permit to soak for about 20 minutes.
 

- Step 5: Now place all the elements aside from the soaking chillies in a blender and mix till you will have a {smooth} paste.
 

- Step 6: Pressure the chillies, retaining a number of the water and add the chillies to the blender.
 

- Step 7: Mix all of it till {smooth}. You’ll be able to add slightly of the retained soaking water if wanted to help mixing however solely sufficient to assist mix. Harissa is a thick paste.
 

- Step 8: Attempt some and alter the seasoning if crucial. You’ll be able to go it by way of a effective sieve in the event you like however I hardly ever do.
 
How do you utilize harissa?
Harissa is among the most versatile condiments round. There actually is a lot you are able to do with it which is why I actually hope you make this harissa recipe. Listed here are a couple of methods you need to use it…
- As a marinade for rooster, lamb, or fish
 - Stirred into soups, stews, or tagines
 - Blended into hummus or yogurt for a dip
 - Unfold onto sandwiches or wraps
 - Swirled by way of couscous or grains
 - Tossed with roasted greens
 - Dolloped on eggs or avocado toast
 
Variations Throughout Areas
This harissa recipe is much like what you’ll discover in Tunisia and Tunisian delicacies. It may be added to stews or used as a condiment.
- Tunisian Harissa: Fiery, with extra chillies and garlic.
 - Moroccan Harissa: Usually consists of roasted peppers and preserved lemon.
 - Algerian Harissa: Might be thicker and used extra as a cooking ingredient than a condiment.
 - Different: Harissa is standard worldwide and will be added to any recipe the place a little bit of spice is desired.
 
Which chillies are finest for harissa?
That may actually rely on the place you reside and the way spicy your need your harissa paste to be. I desire to make use of the gentle dried guindilla and/or guajillo chillies that give the harissa paste depth with out blowing your head off. Kashmiri chillies are additionally an excellent wager.
I do like a spicy harissa although so different, spicier dried chillies will be added to style. There isn’t a incorrect or proper reply. In the event you just like the chilli and the warmth it produces, add some.
Helpful Tools
You don’t want a lot fancy gear, however a couple of instruments make issues simpler:
High quality sieve – in order for you an ultra-smooth paste
Blender or meals processor – for a {smooth} paste
Mortar and pestle – for a extra conventional, rustic model
Tongs – for dealing with roasted peppers or chillies
Sharp knife and chopping board
Jar with lid – for storage
Serving Dimension (Serves 10)
This recipe will serve roughly 10 however it’s kind of tough to say. The reason being that it is so versatile. You possibly can stir a tablespoon into yoghurt or use half of it in a fiery sizzling stew. It is merely an awesome spicy paste to have readily available.
How one can Retailer Harissa Paste
Fridge: Retailer in a sterilised jar, topped with a layer of olive oil, for as much as 3–4 weeks. At all times use a clear spoon to scoop it out.
Freezer: Spoon harissa into ice dice trays, freeze, then switch to a bag or container. Use cubes as wanted (lasts 3 months).
Pantry (short-term): In the event you plan to make use of inside per week, it’s effective to maintain at room temperature in a sealed jar topped with oil
Professional Ideas for Good Harissa
- Steadiness the flavours – harissa isn’t nearly warmth. Ensure that there’s acidity (lemon or vinegar), sweetness (peppers or tomato paste), and smokiness (roasted chillies or paprika).
 - Toast your spices – don’t skip this step; it makes a world of distinction.
 - Select your chillies correctly – milder ones (like guajillo) create a fancy flavour with out blowing your head off. Add a couple of sizzling chillies in the event you prefer it fiery.
 
- Relaxation earlier than utilizing – let the harissa sit for at the least a day earlier than utilizing. The flavours develop fantastically.
 - Management the consistency – thicker harissa works effectively as a rub, whereas a looser paste (add extra oil) is best for sauces and dressings.
 
Prime Tip
At all times cowl with oil – topping your jar with olive oil prevents mould and retains it more energizing for longer.
FAQ
That relies on the chillies you utilize. You may make it gentle and smoky or fiery sizzling.
Sure, however selfmade harissa is more energizing, extra flavourful and customisable. Retailer-bought variations usually lack depth and will be overly spicy and salty.
Sure. Harissa is usually used as a marinade. It is is a scrumptious marinade for rooster, beef, lamb, seafood and greens. As there’s lemon juice in harissa, solely marinate meat and seafood for as much as 4 hours.
In search of different recipes like this? Attempt these:
Have you ever tried this harissa paste recipe?
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Yield: 500ml (2 cups)
Harissa Paste

			Prep Time
			20 minutes 
		
			Prepare dinner Time
			10 minutes 
		
			Whole Time
			half-hour 
		
Components
- 12 dried massive dried chillies
 - 10 dried Kashmiri Chillies
 - 1 beneficiant tbsp cumin seeds
 - 1 beneficiant tbsp coriander seeds
 - 1 ½ tsp caraway seeds
 - 10 cloves garlic, minced
 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
 - 1 ½ tsp sea salt
 - 3 tbsp lemon juice
 - 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar
 - 2 tbsp purple pepper paste
 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
 - 70ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
 
Directions
- Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds and caraway over a medium warmth till heat to the contact and aromatic.
 - Utilizing a spice grinder or pestle and mortar, grind the toasted entire spices to a course or discover powder. Put aside.
 - Warmth a pan over a medium-high warmth. Add the chillies and dry fry them, stirring recurrently for a few minutes or till heat to the contact and aromatic. Watch out to not burn them.
 - Add water to the pan and produce to a simmer. Then take off the warmth and permit to soak for about 20 minutes.
 - Now place all the elements aside from the soaking chillies in a blender and mix till you will have a {smooth} paste.
 - Pressure the chillies, retaining a number of the water and add the chillies to the blender.
 - Mix all of it till {smooth}. You’ll be able to add slightly of the retained soaking water if wanted to help mixing however solely sufficient to assist mix. Harissa is a thick paste.
 - Verify for seasoning and add extra salt if crucial. The harissa will preserve in your fridge for a couple of week.
 
Really useful Merchandise
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Diet Data:
Yield:
12
Serving Dimension:
1
Quantity Per Serving:
Energy: 37Whole Fats: 2gSaturated Fats: 0gTrans Fats: 0gUnsaturated Fats: 1gLdl cholesterol: 0mgSodium: 297mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g