Harissa

Name: Harissa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 200g dried red chili peppers; 6 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp caraway seeds; 1 tbsp ground coriander; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp salt; 4 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp smoked paprika

هريسة (hah-REE-sah)

Tunisian Hot Chili Paste

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 38 kcal

A fiery, smoky paste of sun-dried chili peppers, garlic, caraway, and olive oil, the essential condiment that defines Tunisian cuisine.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 1.0g

Carbs 4.0g

Fat 2.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

food processor or mortar and pestle glass jars cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: small ceramic bowl

Garnishes: olive oil film, caraway seeds

Accompaniments: bread, olives

Ingredients

200g dried red chili peppers
6 cloves garlic
1 tbsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1
Soak dried chilies in hot water for one hour until completely softened and rehydrated. Drain well and remove stems.
2
Toast caraway and cumin seeds in a dry pan for two minutes until fragrant. Grind to a fine powder in a mortar.
3
Combine softened chilies, garlic, ground spices, coriander, salt, and tomato paste in a food processor.
4
Process until a thick, smooth paste forms, scraping sides frequently. Add olive oil gradually while processing.
5
Taste and adjust heat, salt, and garlic levels. The paste should be fiery, garlicky, and deeply aromatic.
6
Transfer to glass jars, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve, and refrigerate.

💡

Did You Know?

Tunisia consumes more harissa per capita than any other nation, going through an estimated twelve kilograms per household annually.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

food processor or mortar and pestle
glass jars
cutting board

Garnishing

olive oil film, caraway seeds

Accompaniments

bread, olives

The Story Behind Harissa

Harissa is the soul of Tunisian cuisine, so fundamental that UNESCO recognized it as part of Tunisia's intangible cultural heritage in 2022. This chili paste appears at every Tunisian meal without exception, stirred into soups, spread on sandwiches, and served alongside every dish. The Tunisian version, distinguished by its use of caraway and coriander, differs from other North African harissas and represents centuries of spice trade and culinary refinement.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed every meal, every day 📜 Origins: Ancient Tunisian

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