The Essential Harissa Recipe

Unlock the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this authentic Harissa recipe! Inspired by a Moroccan adventure, this recipe delivers a deliciously fiery chili paste perfect for tagines, couscous, salad dressings, marinades, and pasta sauces. Elevate your Mediterranean cooking with this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful condiment. From "The Essential Mediterranean" cookbook.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 54.8 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating Be the first
The Essential Harissa 41

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Essential Harissa

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How to Make The Essential Harissa

  1. Roughly chop 1 pound fresh red chilies (such as serrano or Fresno). Cover with boiling water and soak for 1 hour to soften.
  2. Drain the chilies thoroughly. Place them in a food processor along with 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference), 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. Process for 20 seconds, scrape down the sides of the bowl, then process for another 30 seconds until roughly chopped.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and process for another 20 seconds.
  5. Continue adding olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, and processing until a thick, smooth paste forms (you may need up to 1/2 cup total olive oil).
  6. Spoon the harissa paste into a clean, sterilized jar. Cover the surface of the paste with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
  7. Seal the jar tightly.
  8. To sterilize the jar, wash it and the lid thoroughly in hot, soapy water, rinse well in hot water, then bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 20 minutes, or until completely dry. Do not wipe with a tea towel.
  9. Let the jar cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. This hot pepper sauce will keep for up to six months.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

3g

Carbs

0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make The Essential Harissa?

The Essential Harissa takes about 50 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in The Essential Harissa?

The Essential Harissa has approximately 54.8 calories per serving, with about 0 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 8 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for The Essential Harissa?

The key ingredients for The Essential Harissa are Dried Red Chilies, Dried Mint, Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Caraway Seed, Garlic Cloves. See the full list with measurements above.

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