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Harissa

This vibrant homemade harissa is a versatile vegan condiment that brings a punch of smoky heat and aromatic depth to any kitchen. By charring fresh red peppers until soft and toasting whole spices like caraway and cumin, you create a complex flavour profile that far surpasses shop-bought alternatives. The balance of spicy chillies and zesty lemon juice makes it an essential staple for those who enjoy bold, Middle Eastern-inspired flavours.

As a healthy, plant-based addition to your fridge, this savoury paste works beautifully as a marinade for roasted vegetables or stirred into a hearty lentil stew. It is incredibly easy to prepare in batches and stores well in a sterilised jar, ensuring you always have a hit of spice ready to elevate a simple weekday meal or a Sunday roast.

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Ingredients for Harissa

  • 1 red pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds

  • 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

  • 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small red onion, coarsely chopped (scant 100g / 90 g in total)

  • 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

  • 3 hot red chillies, seeded and coarsely chopped

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

How to make Harissa

Place the pepper under a very hot grill, turning occasionally for about 25 minutes, until blackened on the outside and completely soft. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to cool. Peel the pepper and discard its skin and seeds.

Place a dry frying pan over low heat and lightly toast the coriander, cumin, and caraway seeds for 2 minutes. Remove them to a mortar and use a pestle to grind to a powder.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and fry the onion, garlic, and chillies for 10 to 12 minutes, until a dark smoky colour and almost caramelized.

Now use a blender or a food processor to blitz together all of the paste ingredients until smooth, adding a little more oil if needed.

Store in a sterilized jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or even longer.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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