
Harissa (North African Hot Pepper Sauce)
by Amira Haddad
A fiery and aromatic traditional North African hot pepper sauce that adds a bold kick to any dish. Perfect for stir-fries, marinades, or as a vibrant condiment for grains and roasted vegetables.
Total Time
20 mins
Difficulty
Easy

Simple Tasty Recipes
Ingredients for 8 Servings
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8 ozFresh hot chilies
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1/2 tspYellow asafoetida powder (or minced garlic)
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1 tspGround caraway seeds
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1 tspSalt
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1 1/2 tspFresh ground black pepper
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1 1/2 tspGround cumin
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1 tspGround coriander
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2 tbspOlive oil (optional, for consistency)
Time
-
Preparation Time15 mins
-
Cooking Time5 mins
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Total Time20 mins
Goes Great with
Method
- Wear kitchen gloves to handle the fresh hot chilies to avoid skin irritation. Wash, stem, and roughly chop them.
- Place the prepared chilies into a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely ground.
- Add the asafoetida (or garlic), caraway, salt, black pepper, cumin, and coriander to the processor.
- Process the mixture until it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, drizzle in the olive oil while processing.
- Transfer to a sterilized glass jar and keep refrigerated. Let the flavors meld for at least an hour before serving.
Notes:
Always wear gloves when handling hot chilies to protect your hands and eyes. For a deeper flavor, you can toast your whole spices before grinding them. This sauce intensifies in heat and flavor the longer it sits in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 1.2g |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
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