Mediterranean Hot Sauce Recipe (Harissa)

Mediterranean hot sauce, also known as harissa, is a thick North African chili paste made with dried chilies, roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and warm spices. This homemade harissa recipe creates a smoky, earthy, spicy, and tangy paste with a deep red color and rich flavor. Dried New Mexico or Guajillo chilies provide the pepper base, while cumin, coriander, caraway, and smoked paprika add warm aromatic notes. Unlike thin vinegar-based hot sauces, harissa has a thick paste texture that works as a marinade, spread, dip, or cooking ingredient. The recipe takes about 40 minutes, including a 30-minute chili soaking time and 10 minutes of active preparation. One batch produces approximately 1.5 cups (355 ml) of Mediterranean hot sauce. Serve it with grilled chicken, lamb, roasted vegetables, hummus, eggs, lentil soup, couscous, flatbread, sandwiches, and other savory dishes.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Soak the dried chilies: Place dried New Mexico or Guajillo chilies in a heat-safe bowl and cover completely with hot water. Soak for 30 minutes until softened. Drain the chilies, then remove stems and seeds.

Step 2

Combine the ingredients: Add soaked chilies, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, garlic cloves, caraway seeds, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and salt into a food processor.

Step 3

Blend into paste: Turn on the food processor and slowly add extra virgin olive oil while blending. Scrape down the sides and continue blending until the mixture becomes a thick, slightly chunky paste. Adjust salt or cayenne according to taste.

Step 4

Store the harissa: Transfer the finished paste into a clean glass jar. Smooth the surface and pour a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the top. Seal tightly and refrigerate.

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