Discover harissa, the chili paste from North Africa
When you come across a recipe like harissa pink chicken that looks incredibly delicious, you might have a few questions: What is harissa? What does it taste like? Can I easily find it? Fortunately, there are easy answers.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a spicy chili paste or sauce with a garlicky, smoky flavor that originated in Tunisia and is widely used in North Africa. It can range from mild to fiery depending on the chilies used and has a multitude of uses. Spread the paste on meat before grilling or use it to season salmon for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner. Harissa also adds a kick of spicy flavor when simply stirred into bowls of cooked rice, couscous, pasta, and beans.
Where can I find harissa?
Harissa is available at specialty markets, standard grocery stores, and online. It comes in a squeezable tube, jar, or small can (similar in size to a small can of tomato paste). Harissa is also available as a dry, ground spice blend. For recipes that call for harissa paste, opt for a tube or can. Some recipes use a dry harissa spice blend, which you can make from scratch, like this recipe for grilled shrimp with peel-and-eat harissa, or you can buy a pre-made blend in the spice section of your grocery store.
Can you make harissa from scratch?
Homemade harissa is not difficult to prepare. In Tunisia, where harissa is an integral part of the cuisine and culinary traditions, recipes and ingredients vary by region. It is generally made by grinding sun-dried chilies with garlic, salt, and spices such as coriander and cumin.
How should I use harissa?
We use harissa in all kinds of recipes. Here are some of our favorite ways to cook with harissa.
- Add a tablespoon of harissa paste to a meat sauce like this Spicy Harissa Ragout. The paste's warm spiciness adds depth to the sauce.
- Mix harissa paste or ground harissa seasoning to taste with melted butter and drizzle it over popcorn. Or, make a harissa compound butter and place a dollop on your favorite cut of meat.
- Upgrade your roasted squash: this recipe includes a homemade harissa paste that is simply mixed with the vegetable and roasted.
- Prepare a North African version of lasagna in a pan with lamb and harissa.
- Add a spicy kick to your salads: mix a tablespoon of harissa with ranch dressing and serve with chicken wings or crudités.
- Give your eggs a special touch by mixing harissa with the yolk mixture.
- Prepare Çilbir, a delicious Turkish dish of yogurt and eggs topped with harissa crisp.
- Add spices and heat to mashed potatoes to liven up a hearty meal.
