Tunisian Harissa

Unleash the bold, smoky flavors of North Africa with this authentic Tunisian Harissa recipe! Made from a blend of softened dried red chilies, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like coriander, cumin, and caraway, this fiery chili paste comes together in just minutes. A splash of zesty lemon juice and rich olive oil perfectly balance the heat, creating a versatile condiment that adds depth and excitement to your favorite dishes. Whether used as a marinade, a flavorful base for stews, or a spicy addition to roasted vegetables or spreads, this homemade harissa delivers a punch of authentic Tunisian flair. Easy to prepare and store, it’s the perfect make-ahead condiment to keep your meals vibrant and packed with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 10 pieces Dried red chilies (mild or hot, or a mix)
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground caraway seeds
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Water (for soaking the chilies)

Directions

Step 1

Remove the stems and most of the seeds from the dried chilies. Adjust the number of seeds left in the chilies depending on your desired spice level.

Step 2

Soak the dried chilies in 2 cups of warm water for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.

Step 3

Drain the chilies and pat them dry using paper towels. Reserve the soaking liquid in case you need it to adjust the consistency later.

Step 4

Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 5

In a food processor or blender, combine the softened chilies, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground caraway seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

Step 6

Blend the ingredients together into a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved chili soaking liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt or lemon juice) as needed.

Step 8

Transfer the harissa to an airtight container. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve the freshness.

Step 9

Store the harissa in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, replenishing the olive oil layer as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	599.6 grams (599.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	623

Total Fat 58.90g	76%
Saturated Fat 9.00g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2387mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 24.70g	9%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 7.00g
Protein 4.70g	9%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122mg	9%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 438mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.8%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 15.3%