Tunisian Harissa Recipe

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Tunisian Harissa paste recipe! Harissa, a vibrant blend of fiery red peppers, aromatic garlic, and warming spices, is a staple in North African cuisine. This recipe guides you through creating a rich, flavorful paste perfect for adding a fiery kick to tagines, stews, marinades, or simply as a delicious spread on olive oil-drizzled bread. Experience the intense heat tempered by fragrant spices – a taste of Tunisia in your kitchen!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 73.5 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating Be the first
Tunisian Harissa 70

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

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

Ingredients for Tunisian Harissa

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How to Make Tunisian Harissa

  1. Remove stems from dried red chilies. If using very strong chilies, consider wearing gloves.
  2. Place chilies in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to soften.
  3. Drain the chilies in a colander.
  4. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine softened chilies, peeled garlic cloves, sea salt, caraway seeds, and ground coriander.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  6. Blend until a smooth paste forms, adding more water a teaspoon at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if desired.
  8. Stir in additional olive oil to reach your preferred consistency and to slightly reduce the intensity of the heat. The amount will depend on your preference; start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed.
  9. Transfer harissa to a clean, airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (or freeze for longer storage).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

18 g

Sugar

25g

Fat

1g

Carbs

4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Tunisian Harissa?

Tunisian Harissa takes about 60 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Tunisian Harissa?

Tunisian Harissa has approximately 73.5 calories per serving, with about 4 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates and 4 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Tunisian Harissa?

The key ingredients for Tunisian Harissa are Dried Hot Red Chili Peppers, Garlic, Caraway Seeds, Ground Coriander, Salt, Water. See the full list with measurements above.

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