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a Tasty Pepper Paste

  • christascott097
  • Aug 19, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 13



Harissa (Arabic meaning to crush)is a pepper paste, currently native to North Africa and parts of Middle East.The origin of harissa goes back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries when Christopher Columbus brought back chili plants to the Mediterranean, and then later, during the Spanish occupation of parts of Tunisia.

Commonly Used IngredientsRoasted And Peeled Red Sweet Peppers (Italian Or Bell) 24 ozHot Red Chilies Eg. Jalapeno, Serrano, Cayenne (Optional)Olive Oil 1⁄4 CLemon Juice 2TSmoked Mild Paprika 2T Or Hot Chipotle’ Powder 2TPowdered Cumin Seed 2tPowdered Coriander Seed 2tGarlic, (Chopped Roasted 2T Or Powder 1t)Salt 1tOther “Sweet” Spices May Also Be Added Eg. Cardamom, Allspice, Clove, Nutmeg, Caraway

1. Blend Ingredients Until Forms A Paste2. Simmer gently in a sauce pan for 15 to 20 minutes 3. Let cool to room temperature

WAYS TO USE HARISSA

Harissa Can Be Used In Any Way That You'd Use A Salsa Or Chili Paste. It is Extremely Versatile,.As A Dipping Sauce- You Can Dip Everything From French Or Pita Bread, Or Crackers To Veggies Directly In The Harissa Paste. It Is Also perfect As A Dip For Veggies

As A Marinade - I Love To Marinade Everything From Chicken, To Shrimp, To Tofu In Harissa Paste. Because It Already Includes Olive Oil, Peppers And Spices, You Can Marinate A Ton Of Different Things Directly In Harissa Paste With No Additional Ingredients Needed. You May Want To Dilute The Harissa With Yogurt For A Milder, Tangier Effect With Chicken Or Fish.

As A Glaze- Mix It With Honey To Make A Delicious Glaze For These Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls. As A Flavor Enhancer For Eggs- Mix In A Tablespoon Of Harissa To Scrambled Eggs

As A Veggie Seasoning- Toss Veggies In Olive Oil, Then Powdered Harissa Seasoning And Roast Them In The Oven, Or Toss Them On The Grill. Harissa Adds A Ton Of Flavor And Spice To Roasted Veggies.

To Flavor Soups And Stews- Toss Anywhere From 1-4 Tablespoons Of Harissa Paste Into Your Favorite Soup Or Stew To Give It A Burst Of Flavor And Spice.

As A Sandwich Spread- Add A Smear Of Harissa Paste Or Sauce To Your Next Sandwich. I Promise, You're Going To Love Using This Sauce As A Sandwich Condiment!

Mix It Into Ground Meat- It Gives Meatloaf Or Meatballs An Extra KickMix It Into Couscous- In Traditional North African Cuisine, You'll Find It Mixed Into Couscous With Veggies Like

Tomatoes And Cucumber.

Add It To Tomato Sauces- Stir 1-2 Tablespoons Into Pasta Marinara Sauce For An Extra Burst Of Flavor In The Sauce.

Add It To Potato Or Pasta Salad- Kick Up Your Summer BBQ Side Dishes By Adding Harissa To Potato Or Pasta Salad.

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