Homemade Harissa Paste Recipe
Introduction
Harissa is a fiery and aromatic North African paste that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a blend of hot peppers, spices, and other ingredients that can be used to add flavor and heat to a wide range of dishes. Harissa is incredibly versatile and can be used as a marinade, a condiment, or a flavoring for stews, soups, and tagines.Ingredients
To make harissa paste, you will need the following ingredients:- 10-12 dried red chilies
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Start by soaking the dried chilies in hot water for 30 minutes. Once they are soft, remove the stems and seeds. 2. In a food processor, combine the chilies, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, and salt. Pulse until everything is well combined. 3. Slowly pour in the olive oil while the food processor is running. Continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and thick. 4. Add the tomato paste and lemon juice to the food processor and pulse a few more times to combine. 5. Transfer the harissa paste to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.Nutrition
Harissa paste is a spicy and flavorful condiment that can add a lot of flavor to your dishes. However, it is also high in calories and sodium, so it should be used in moderation. Here is the nutritional information for a 1 tablespoon serving of harissa paste:- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your harissa paste recipe:- If you want a milder harissa paste, you can use fewer chilies or remove the seeds before adding them to the food processor.
- You can also use different types of chilies to adjust the heat level and flavor of your harissa paste. For example, you could try using smoky chipotle chilies or sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor.
- For a smoother and creamier harissa paste, you can add a spoonful of tahini or Greek yogurt to the mixture.
- Harissa paste can be used to add flavor to a wide range of dishes, including roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood. It can also be used as a dip or spread for bread, crackers, or vegetables.
- For a more complex flavor, you can toast the spices and seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor.