Spicy Carrot and Harissa Cream
This Spicy Carrot and Harissa Cream is a delightful dish inspired by Moroccan cuisine, offering a vibrant fusion of flavors. The sweet and earthy carrots are combined with the bold heat of harissa and the aromatic notes of garlic, creating a silky puree that can be enjoyed both warm as a side dish or cold as a refreshing dip. This versatile, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful addition to your meals throughout the week.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
700 gm (peeled and roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and chopped)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Harissa
1 teaspoon (none)
Sea salt
to taste (none)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the chopped carrots and cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the carrots well and return them to the pot. Allow them to cool for a minute so they are warm but not too hot to handle.
3
In a food processor, combine the warm carrots and chopped garlic. Slowly add the olive oil while processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Add the harissa and blend until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and fresh ground pepper as desired.
5
Transfer the puree to a serving dish, and enjoy it warm as a side dish or chill it in the refrigerator for a cold dip.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Carrot and Harissa Cream?
It is a Moroccan-inspired dish made of pureed carrots, harissa, and garlic that can be served as a side or a dip.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is Spicy Carrot and Harissa Cream gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 2 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are carrots, garlic cloves, olive oil, harissa, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How long should I cook the carrots?
The carrots should be boiled in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, you can chill the puree in the refrigerator and enjoy it as a refreshing cold dip.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, it is excellent when served warm as a vegetable side dish.
What type of cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a bold and spicy chili paste commonly used in North African cooking.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 peeled and chopped garlic cloves.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the addition of harissa provides a bold heat to the carrot puree.
How do I achieve a silky texture?
A silky texture is achieved by processing the carrots in a food processor while slowly adding olive oil.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is a simple and versatile recipe that is perfect for quick meal additions.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender can be used to create the smooth puree if a food processor is unavailable.
What weight of carrots is needed?
You will need 700 grams of peeled and roughly chopped carrots.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the recipe specifies using peeled and roughly chopped carrots.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using sea salt to taste.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the carrots.
What can I serve with this carrot cream?
It pairs well with pita bread, crackers, or as a side to roasted proteins.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It generally stays fresh for 3 to 5 days when kept refrigerated.
Can I freeze Spicy Carrot and Harissa Cream?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture may vary slightly after thawing.
Can I roast the carrots instead of boiling them?
While the recipe calls for boiling, roasting the carrots can add a deeper, smoky flavor.
What if I do not have harissa?
If you lack harissa, you can substitute with a mix of chili flakes and cumin, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this a side dish or a dip?
It is versatile and can be served as either a vegetable side dish or a flavorful dip.
Should the carrots be hot when blending?
The carrots should be warm but not too hot to handle when you start processing them.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, feel free to add aromatic notes like ground cumin or coriander to enhance the Moroccan flavor.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is nutrient-dense, providing vitamins from carrots and healthy fats from olive oil.