If you’re not sure what harissa is, it’s a spicy sauce or paste originally from Tunisia. Classically made using a mixture of dry chiles, garlic, citrus, olive oil, and spices including caraway seeds, you will be able to find readymade versions at your local grocery store, but homemade varieties can be fully tailored to your taste preferences.
Wondering what harissa tastes like? It’s fairly mild with a balanced sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor profile. It has a welcome kick that can be used in a variety of dishes. For more detailed background information on harissa take a look at our helpful guide to this tasty paste.
Make sure you include the caraway seeds in your recipe. These are a vital ingredient in harissa to distinguish it from other generic spicy pastes, and give harissa its warm and earthy flavor while balancing the heat of the chiles.
Flavor Variations and Heat Adjustments
Harissa recipes vary widely in heat and flavor, depending on the regional recipes used. Smoked paprika can be added to the recipe above to bring a smoky complexity to the paste. Or, for a subtle floral variation, mix in a small pinch of ground rose petals.
If you’d prefer a stronger kick in your harissa paste, use hotter chili peppers, such as bird’s eye, and leave the seeds in. You can also wait a day to use the paste as the heat will intensify over time.
How to Use Harissa
Harissa can be used in a variety of dishes, either as a condiment or main cooking ingredient. Try stirring it into yogurt for a warming, creamy side dip, or drizzle over the top of roasted vegetables for a complex side dish. You can also use harissa as a marinade and rub it into lamb or chicken prior to roasting.
If you’re in need of a harissa paste substitute there are lots of other ingredients you can switch in for harissa, such as crushed red chili peppers. And harissa paste can be used as a quick substitute for chili powder too.
Storage and Shelf Life
Harissa paste should be stored in a clean glass jar and covered with a layer of olive oil to help extend its shelf life. Keep the harissa paste in the refrigerator and it should last for up to three weeks. If you notice any signs of spoilage, make sure to create a fresh batch.
