Homemade Harissa Paste Recipe

Harissa is a classic Tunisian paste that's very spicy.

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A North African staple, harissa is a spicy sauce or condiment made with chiles. Learn how to make harissa paste at home in 30 minutes using a handful of ingredients. You can use harissa to spice up almost any dish!

Prep Time10

Total Time30

Course: Basic, condiments

Cuisine: North African, Tunisian

Servings: cups

Calories: 16kcal

Author: Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ingredients

10 dried guajillo chiles see notes
2 chile de arbol see notes
2 tsp caraway seeds
2 roasted red peppers see notes
1 tbsp tomato paste optional
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp kosher salt
5 cloves garlic
1 lemon juice of
3 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Remove the top part of the guajillo chiles and chile de arbol and remove the seeds. Place the chiles in a large bowl and fill it with boiling water. Let the peppers sit for 20 to 30 minutes until soften. Then drain and discard the water.
Place the caraway seeds in a pan over medium heat and toast them for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic.
Place the rehydrated peppers, caraway seeds, tomato paste, ground coriander, salt, garlic and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor. Blend for a minute or so until a paste forms.
Pause and scrape the sides using a spatula. Add in the olive oil and pulse a few times to make sure it's fully incorporated.
Use immediately or transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Video

Notes

Alternatively you can use dried New Mexico chiles.
This recipe yields almost 2 cups of harissa and I used 2 chile de arbol resulting in a sauce that's mild with just enough heat. If you like your sauce to be very spicy, add more chile de arbol.
You can use jarred roasted red peppers or make your own. Cut 2 red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Rub the outsides with olive oil and roast in the oven at 450 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition