Tunisian Fiery Harissa Paste
Experience a burst of flavor with this authentic Tunisian Harissa Paste, a spicy blend of smoked and dried chiles combined with aromatic spices. This versatile condiment can elevate a variety of dishes, from meats and fish to vegetables and grains. Rub it onto your protein of choice before grilling or searing for an unforgettable kick. Stir a spoonful into mayonnaise for a spicy sandwich spread, or mix it into softened butter for a gourmet touch on steamed veggies or couscous. Adjust the heat to your preference by experimenting with different types of chiles, ensuring every dish is tailor-made to your taste. Pack this vibrant paste in your fridge and let your culinary creativity run wild for up to two months!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked chili peppers
4 (Remove seeds and stems)
Dried hot red chili peppers
8 (Remove seeds and stems)
Cumin seed
1 tablespoon (Toasted)
Coriander seeds
2 teaspoons (Toasted)
Caraway seed
1 teaspoon (Toasted)
Garlic cloves
8 (Peeled)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the chiles: remove the seeds and stems from both the smoked and dried chili peppers. Place them in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow them to soak for about 20 minutes until they are plump and rehydrated.
2
While the chiles are soaking, preheat a small dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds to the skillet and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and begin to pop. Immediately remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3
Transfer the toasted seeds to a blender and blend them into a fine powder.
4
Once the chiles are rehydrated, drain them and add to the blender along with the garlic cloves, olive oil, and salt. Blend the mixture on high speed until it forms a smooth, rich paste.
5
Taste the harissa and adjust the seasoning or heat level as desired. Store the paste in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tunisian Fiery Harissa Paste?
It is an authentic Tunisian condiment consisting of a spicy blend of smoked and dried chiles combined with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway.
How long can I store homemade Harissa paste?
You can store this Harissa paste in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Is this Harissa recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it consists of chiles, spices, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
What are the primary ingredients in this Harissa?
The main ingredients are smoked chili peppers, dried hot red chili peppers, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
How do I prepare the dried chiles?
Remove the seeds and stems, place them in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and soak for about 20 minutes until rehydrated.
How do I toast the spices for Harissa?
Toast the cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Can I use Harissa as a marinade?
Yes, you can rub it onto meats, fish, or poultry before grilling or searing for a spicy kick.
How can I make a spicy sandwich spread with Harissa?
Simply stir a spoonful of the Harissa paste into mayonnaise to create a spicy spread.
What is a good way to use Harissa with vegetables?
You can mix Harissa into softened butter and melt it over steamed vegetables or stir it directly into couscous.
How do I adjust the heat level of the Harissa?
You can experiment with different types and quantities of chili peppers to tailor the spice level to your preference.
What equipment do I need to make this paste?
You will need a small skillet for toasting seeds and a blender to process the ingredients into a smooth paste.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 8 peeled garlic cloves.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil to help form the rich, smooth paste.
What spices give Harissa its traditional aroma?
The aromatic profile comes from toasted cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and caraway seeds.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the peppers?
Yes, the instructions recommend removing seeds and stems from both the smoked and dried chili peppers before soaking.
What is the first step in making Harissa?
The first step is preparing and soaking the smoked and dried chili peppers in boiling water.
How do I know when the toasted seeds are ready?
The seeds are ready when they become fragrant and begin to pop in the skillet.
Is Harissa high in protein?
No, this condiment is categorized as a low protein food.
Can I use this paste for grains?
Yes, Harissa is excellent when stirred into grains like couscous or rice.
What should I do after soaking the chiles?
After soaking, drain the chiles before adding them to the blender with the other ingredients.
How do I achieve a fine powder from the toasted seeds?
Transfer the cooled toasted seeds to a blender and blend them until they reach a fine powder consistency.
What should the final texture of Harissa be?
The mixture should be blended on high speed until it forms a smooth, rich paste.
Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried?
This specific recipe is designed for smoked and dried chiles to provide a concentrated, smoky flavor.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this Harissa paste recipe.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
What type of chili peppers are recommended?
The recipe uses a combination of 4 smoked chili peppers and 8 dried hot red chili peppers.
Can I use Harissa for seafood?
Yes, it is a versatile condiment that pairs very well with fish.
Is this recipe for a sauce or a paste?
It is a thick paste, though it can be thinned out or mixed with other ingredients to make a sauce.
What is the origin of this Harissa?
This is an authentic Tunisian-style Harissa paste.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Yes, once the paste is blended, you should taste it and adjust the seasoning or heat level as desired.