The Essential Harissa Recipes

HARISSA

Steps:

• If you want spicy harissa, include the chiles' seeds; if not, slit them open to remove and discard the seeds. Tear the chiles into large pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Carefully pour 4 cups boiling water over chiles and set aside until softened, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet and cook over medium heat, swirling the pan often, until the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spices into a blender, add the oil, salt, garlic and lemon juice, and puree until smooth. Drain the chiles, reserving 1 cup of the soaking liquid (discard remaining liquid). Add the chiles and reserved liquid to the blender and puree on high until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Season the harissa with pepper and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

HARISSA

Steps:

• Break up chili peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and discard. Wear disposable gloves if working with medium-hot or hot peppers.
• Place chili peppers in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak until softened, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well, then dab dry with paper towels.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over very low heat and cook garlic until soft but still pale, about 3 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to the food processor together along with the chili peppers.
• Toast caraway seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds in the skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Crush them in a mortar and add to the food processor. Process while slowly adding remaining olive oil, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed. Season with salt.
• Spoon harissa into a sterilized glass jar and level the top. Add enough olive oil so the surface is covered and the harissa won't dry out. Seal and refrigerate.

THE ESSENTIAL HARISSA

Steps:

• Roughly chop the chiles, then cover with boiling water and soak for 1 hour.
• Drain chiles, place in a food processor and add the mint, spices, garlic and only 1 Tbsp of the olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Process for 20 seconds, scrape down the side of the bowl, then process for another 30 seconds.
• Add 2 Tbsp of the oil and process again. Repeat and process until a thick paste forms.
• Spoon the paste into a clean jar (see Note), cover with a thin layer of olive oil and seal.
• NOTE: To prepare the storage jar, preheat the oven to very slow (120F). Wash the jar and lid in hot soapy water and rinse in hot water. Put jar in the over for 20 minutes or till fully dry. Do NOT dry with a tea towel.
• This hot pepper sauce will kep in the fridge for up to six months.