Homemade Harissa



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Harissa is a traditional side with Moroccan and North African food. It is a potently spicy sauce, with the main ingredient being a lot of Hot Peppers. I make this very often for quite a few reasons. It is very easy to make, & the Harissa added to about anything charges up the taste. Add it to rice, salads, dips, couscous or any other sauce or sides and you have a tongue tickling sensational taste.

I have used Hot peppers here, but if you do need to make it less spicy, substitute the amount of hot peppers with roasted, & peeled red bell peppers.





Ingredients: (makes about 3/4 cup)

  1. 3/4 cup dried red chile peppers
  2. 1/4 cup  garlic, cloves
  3. 1 teaspoon caraway seed
  4. 2 teaspoon coriander seeds
  5. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  6. sea salt  or any coarse salt to taste
  7. 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves ( or any other herb you want to use – optional)
  8. 2 tablespoons tomato puree (optional… to make it less spicy)
  9. 1/2 cup  extra virgin olive oil + a tablespoon or however much needed to add a layer to the top to store it



Preparation:

Remove the stems from the chilli peppers if any and soak in  water for 15-20 minutes, then drain. Reserve the water. (If you do not want the Harissa too spicy, you may remove the seeds of the chili peppers).

In a dry skillet lightly toast the cumin, caraway and the coriander seeds, only for a couple of minutes until just fragrant. Watch that they do not turn dark or burn. Cool the toasted seeds.

Place all the ingredient  in a blender or food processor and process it until smooth but not absolutely pureed. OR place all ingredients in a mortar & pound with a pestle until smooth. If it feels too dry, add a few teaspoons of the pepper soaked water, a little at a time, only as much required to make a thick paste. (try not to use any water, as it stays longer in the refrigerator if no water in used)

Store in a clean dry container topped with the rest of the olive oil. Cover and refrigerate. Allow it to sit for a couple of days for the flavors to infuse and mature.

Will stay in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.


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Related Posts:

Curry Sauce (Indian)

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Indian Spiced Pineapple Chutney

Sweet & Spicy Fruit Chutney

Apricot Jalapeno Chutney

Mint Coriander Radish Chutney

Roasted Tomato and Lentil Dip

Hummus en Fuego

Chimichurri



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