Harissa

Harissa, a North African condiment, most associated with, but not exclusive to, Tunisia. There are so many versions of Harissa within North Africa, not to mention the similar Yemenite Schug and the South East Asian Sambal. The purest, most basic version of Harissa is made with rehydrated dried red chili peppers, garlic, salt and oil to seal and preserve. Great on sandwiches, fish and a dabble to jazz up soups, just to name a few uses. I love the kick my version got with that beautiful orange color, achieved by emulsifying the olive oil with the ingredients in the food processor.

Harissa
makes approx. 20oz

2oz dried red chills*
3 large bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut along the ribs
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
Juice from 1/2 large lemon

Extra olive oil to seal the top
Boiling water

Add dried red chilies into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. After 1/2 an hour, drain the water.

Line the bell peppers skin side up on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Broil until skin is completely charred. With a stainless steel spatula, immediately remove to a large ziploc bag and seal well. Be watchful not to get burnt from the steam. Peel when cooled down.

Add the caraway, cumin and coriander seeds to a skillet on a medium heat. Toast for a few seconds until you smell the aromas being released. Be careful not to burn seeds. Process the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder until you get a powder.

Add all the ingredients, except the extra oil, for sealing into a food processor and whiz until you reach a smooth consistency. Scoop into a jar and cover the top with oil to seal. Secure with a lid. Make sure to replenish oil for sealing after each use. Keep refrigerated for up to two months properly sealed with oil.

*I used chili Japones I had in my pantry but you can use Ancho chills for milder, lesser heat, or a variety of red chills.

28 comments:

  1. I enjoy Harissa on Pizza and I use it as a spread too. Some are really hot, the first time I had it, smoke came out of my ears, LOL!
    I like the homemade version it always tastes better and you can control the heat. Thanks for the recipe dear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ahahah I can imagine. On a pizza?! What a brilliant idea. I spread it on plain fresh baguette & if I go really bananas I spread it on sliced, lengthwise, cucumbers. The chill of the cucumber with Harissa, yum! :)

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. True, spicy. Can tone it down with Ancho chili instead. Will be more smokey but much less heat.

      Delete
  3. Wonderful! Harissa is a deliciously spicy sauce. I love to put it in sandwiches and omelets.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  4. one of my all-time FAVORITE condiments Shulie - toasted cheese is a thing of glory w/the addition of harissa!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right, Deb?! I never tried it with cheese, now you gave me an idea! :)

      Delete
  5. Harissa rocks! Sometimes I wished I grew up with this delicious smoky paste. thank you for sharing Shulie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as you know it as a grown up.:) My pleasure. There are so many variations!

      Delete
  6. Mmmm that's so, so good! We make something very similar called Ajvar with roasted red peppers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh Kate, would you share your Macedonian version here? If you already published on your site just leave a link. I haven't had a clue you got your own version.Good to know.:)

      Delete
  7. i've wanted to make this for years...gonna do it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  8. looks so yummy.. Going to make soon
    http://great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Interesting! I've seen recipes calling for harissa but never an actual recipe for it. Good to have!

    ReplyDelete
  10. שולי אני חייבת להגיד לך שלפי התמונה זה נראה ממש אבל ממש טוב!!
    אני אגלה לך סוד - עוד לא טעמתי אף פעם חריסה.
    במשפחה שלי דווקא אוהבים חריף (חוץ מהחצי שלי שרגיש ברמות הסטריות לחריף), ואני יודעת בדיוק למי להעביר את המתכון שישמח מאד להכין את זה.

    שיהיה לך ולמשפחה ט"ו בשבט שמח :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. את מצחיקה. ממש ממש אוהבת כשאת מבקרת פה. הוריאציה שלי מאוד חריפה אבל נתתי אופצייה לפלפל פחות חריף. מצחיק אבל בעלי אמריקאי ויש לו סבולת דיי גבוהה לאוכל חריף וגם אוכל הודי שעליו גדלתי.:)

      Delete
  11. This dip looks so tasty, I love the vibrant color!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right?! It was quite by accident. If I didn't emulsify the oil with the condiments it would be more smokey red.

      Delete
  12. What perfect timing I wanted to pick up some Harrisa at the store yesterday but they were all out. Time I try to make my own!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good...so easy to make at home. Sometimes I question why do I bother to buy at all....

      Delete
  13. I love Harissa! I made a few years ago, but lost the recipe, so I'm so glad you posted this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TY Jeanette. You can always customize to you liking. I always encourage it! :)

      Delete