Print

What is Harissa Made Of?

Print Recipe

This Homemade Harissa is a bold, smoky, and spicy North African chili paste made with dried chilies, garlic, olive oil, and warm spices. Perfect for adding heat to meats, vegetables, soups, and marinades! 🌶️🔥

Ingredients

Scale

For the Harissa Paste:

  • 6 dried red chilies (Guajillo, New Mexico, or Arbol)
  • 2 roasted red bell peppers, peeled and seeded
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Rehydrate the Chilies:

    • Remove seeds and soak dried chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until soft. Drain.

  2. Blend the Ingredients:

    • In a blender or food processor, combine chilies, roasted bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
    • Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed.

  3. Store & Serve:

    • Transfer to a jar and drizzle extra olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
    • Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika and roasted garlic.
  • For milder harissa, use fewer chilies or swap in sweet peppers.
  • To make it extra spicy, add more cayenne or use spicier chilies like Thai or Serrano.

Find it online: https://kenzierecipes.com/what-is-harissa-made-of/