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Harissa Sauce

Made with red chilies, red peppers, and spices, this Harissa Sauce is warm and smoky with just the right amount of heat. A versatile sauce that can be used as a condiment, added to other sauces, or used as a seasoning for veggies and meats.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: harissa sauce, harissa sauce recipe, what is harissa sauce
Servings: 1.25 cup
Calories: 621kcal
Author: Jill

Ingredients

  • 6-8 dried red chilies such as guajillo or New Mexico
  • 2 large roasted red bell peppers peeled and seeds removed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 6 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more for storage
  • Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  • Place the dried chilies in a heat-proof bowl and cover them with freshly boiled water. Let them soak for 25–35 minutes, or until softened. Drain, then remove the stems and seeds.
  • Lightly toast the cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Grind the toasted spices using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  • In a food processor, add the soaked chilies and garlic cloves. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  • Add the roasted red bell peppers, freshly ground spices, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and salt. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, pulsing until well incorporated. Taste and adjust salt as desired.
  • Transfer the harissa to a clean jar. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve it, then cover tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Sodium: 3786mg | Potassium: 1898mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 11050IU | Vitamin C: 706mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 8mg