How to make your own harissa

If you haven’t yet tried harissa - you’re missing out on a key ingredient to transform your dishes. And if you haven’t yet made your own - you’re in for a real treat! Not only does it taste delicious and enhance countless dishes, it’s also really simple to make.

What is harissa paste?

Harissa is a red chillies paste, made from dry red chillies, garlic, olive oil, citrus and warming spices, adding a deep flavour and complexity to your dish. Here we will share our finest single-origin spices which will make your harissa taste better than ever before - sweet, smoky and the perfect amount of spiciness.

Where does harissa come from?

Harissa originates from Tunisia and is key ingredient in North African and Persian cooking. The term ‘harasa’ means ‘to pound’ in Arabic and it’s said that in spice souks of Tunisia, shoppers would watch as the seller pounded the Harissa blend together.

Harissa Ingredients

• 7 whole dry red chillies

• 2 large roasted red peppers

• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for the umami factor.

• 4 fresh garlic cloves

• Spices - toast and use a mortar and pestle, grinder, or food processor to blend

  • 2 teaspoons of Nile Coriander Seeds

  • 2 teaspoons of Wild Mountain Cumin

  • 1 teaspoon King Caraway Seeds

  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Pimenton Paprika (this adds depth and smokiness without adding more spice).

• Sprinkle of Fleur de Sel

• 1 large lemon (this adds citrusy flavours and brightens the harissa)

• Extra virgin olive oil. It’s important to use a good quality olive oil - we use Burren Balsamic’s which is deliciously full of flavour. Drizzle into the food processor as the rest of the ingredients are mixing together.

Harissa Paste Recipe

Step 1: Soak the dry red chiles in hot water to rehydrate

Step 2: Toast and grind the spices

Step 3: Seed the chillies and blend all ingredients together in a food processor (roasted red peppers, garlic, tomato paste, spices, and lemon juice)

Step 4: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil to preference while mixing the paste until a slightly chunky paste forms and voila!

How to use harissa?

Once your harissa is complete, you’ll find yourself putting it in almost everything! It has the power to transform so many dishes, here are some examples:

• Add into your burger mix or use as a sauce for the burger

• Use as a seasoning rub for fish, chicken and other meat dishes

• Add to your roasted veggies

• It tastes heavenly with soups, stews and even shakshuka

• Try adding some to your hummus, salad dressings and yogurt!