Recipes > Fresh Harissa
This Tunisian hot chili sauce is a popular condiment in Moroccan cuisine. With roasted peppers, fresh chili and toasted spices, this flavor-packed condiment is the perfect topping for hummus or couscous, or as an added kick in soups and tajines.
Chad Sarno
- Serves: 2 cups
- Active Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Views: 36,304
- Success Rating: 100% (?)
Steps
Method
To prepare the spices, bring a fry pan to medium–high heat. Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted and aromatic.
Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the coriander, cumin seeds and caraway seeds.
Method
To finish the harissa, add the garlic and chile to the mortar and grind until mixture becomes a paste. Add the roasted red bell pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetener, parsley and sea salt and continue to grind until the finished mixture resembles a coarse paste.
Place in small container and store in refrigerator.
*Note: To finish, add olive oil, if desired.
14 Comments
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How long will harissa keep in the refrigerator? Would freezing it change the texture very much?
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Rouxbe StaffSusan, this sauce typically lasts at least 4-5 days, sometimes longer depending on your preference as texture, color, and flavor shifts over time. I haven't done a freezer test on this item, but looking at the recipe, I'd say that it is relatively stable, but expect some change.
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Wowzee. Looks yummy!
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Looks delicious !!
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Just finished making the harissa. I pretty much used the grinder for the most part but at the end my hand got tired so I used a small food processor and pulsed it the rest of the way to finish. It was less coarse but did look like a thick paste. Would that change the taste? IT was really good though
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I made it and it was a good recipe..tastes really good
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Thanks, Sebnem! We always love getting positive feedback. I love this one, too! Lauren
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How else can you char the pepper if I don't have an open flame? I just have a flat electric stove top and oven. I do have a small charcoal grill that former owners left, but I have never used a charcoal grill before.
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Hi Carrie. Great question. You can roast them! Preheat the oven to 425. Pop them in the oven on a baking sheet- keep them whole and do not use oil. Cook until they start to blacken, turning at least once throughout . Next, follow the steps to steam. Here is an interesting little tutorial I found. https://simple-veganista.com/how-to-roast-peppers/ Lauren
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Made the harissa... much better than the one we used to buy! And the flavor it gives to my hummus... just delicious
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how much olive oil should i add as a suggestion.thank you.
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Rouxbe StaffJack--Hello. If you review the recipe, you will see that this is an oil-free recipe, the olive oil is optional. I would suggest, "to taste," and to your liking. I would use a teaspoon, but as I mentioned, it is not necessary. Thanks, Jack. Cheers, Char
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I cannot have citrus, so may I substitute apple cider vinegar for the lemon juice?
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Rouxbe StaffHi Carol, Sure, give it a try and see how you like it. ~Eric
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