What is harissa and how can we make it at home?
Harissa is rich and smoky, and the paste can be mild or very spicy, depending on the type of chili peppers used. Its origins can probably be traced back to the 16th century, when chili peppers first arrived in Africa by Spanish and Portuguese explorers.
Uses of harissa
Harissa is extremely versatile and can be used in a number of dishes:
Dip: Mix with a little yogurt or mayonnaise to make an excellent dip.
Marinade: It can also be used to marinate meats, fish or vegetables before grilling or baking them in the oven.
Soups and stews: A spoonful of harissa adds depth and spiciness to soups and stews.
Sandwiches: You can also spread it on sandwiches or pita bread.
Egg dishes: You can mix it into scrambled or fried eggs to enhance their flavor.
Harissa recipe
Harissa is easy to make at home. Here is a basic recipe that you can easily adapt to your own taste.
Ingredients:
10-12 dried chili peppers (seeds removed)
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation:
Soak the chili peppers in hot water for 30 minutes until soft.
Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
Place the softened chili peppers, garlic, roasted spices, and salt in a blender.
Add the olive oil and lemon juice, then blend until smooth.
If necessary, add a little soaking water to achieve the desired consistency.
Store in a sealable jar in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.
