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Harissa Paste

A fiery North African chili paste made with rehydrated dried chilies, roasted red peppers, and aromatic spices. Stir into soups, rub onto meats, or swirl into yogurt and dips.

30 minMediumServes 1235 cal/serving

North AfricanSauceBlenderVegetarianVeganPaleoWhole30Low CarbHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 oz dried guajillo or ancho chilies, stemmed, seeded
  • 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Tear 4 oz stemmed, seeded dried guajillo or ancho chilies into pieces and cover with boiling water. Soak 15 minutes until softened, then drain.

  2. 2

    Toast 1/2 tsp toasted caraway seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add the rehydrated chilies, 1 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers, 4 peeled garlic cloves, toasted caraway, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to a food processor.

  4. 4

    Pulse until a rough paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.

  5. 5

    With the motor running, drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until the paste is smooth but still has some texture.

  6. 6

    Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and taste. Add reserved chili soaking liquid to adjust consistency.

  7. 7

    Transfer to a jar and top with a thin layer of olive oil. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Questions

Can I make Harissa Paste ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Harissa Paste?

Yes. As written it serves 12. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, blend in batches rather than overfilling the jar.

Serve it with

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