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Harissa sauce served with grilled vegetables
Spicy and authentic Moroccan Harissa sauce

Homemade Harissa Paste

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
Harissa is North Africa's 'red gold'. It's not just a hot sauce, but a spice paste where chili heat is balanced by earthy cumin and deep garlic notes. The original recipe relies on rehydrating dried chilies, restoring their fleshy texture to create a creamy paste.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 5 mins
⌛ Total Time 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 6 servings
🔥 Calories 95 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Moroccan

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heatproof bowl (for soaking)
  • Skillet (for toasting)
  • Food processor or mortar
  • Rubber gloves (recommended for chilies!)

Instructions

1 ✓

Seed the dried chilies (for milder heat), place in a bowl, and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 20 minutes.

Tip: Hot water softens the tough skin. Use a small plate to keep them submerged.
2 ✓

Meanwhile, slice the garlic and sauté in 1 tsp oil over low heat until just light golden.

Tip: Roasted garlic is sweeter and less pungent than raw.
3 ✓

Drain the chilies (reserve the water!). Place them in a food processor with the roasted garlic, remaining olive oil, spices (cumin, coriander, paprika), salt, and lemon juice.

Tip: Oil helps emulsify and preserve the paste.
4 ✓

Blend the mixture. If too thick or chunky, add 1-2 tablespoons of the chili soaking water.

Tip: Aim for a thick, spreadable paste consistency, like tomato paste.
5 ✓

Taste and salt generously. Transfer to a clean jar and top with a thin layer of oil.

Tip: The oil seal prevents oxidation and spoilage.

Recipe FAQ

It's too spicy!
Capsaicin (heat) dissolves in fat. Stir in more olive oil, or mix with yogurt when serving.
Which chilies should I use?
Guajillo or standard dried red peppers provide body; Cayenne or Bird's Eye provide heat. Mix them!

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Dried red chilies (approx. 6-8 large)
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice