Homemade Harissa (Chili Paste) Recipe

step 1

• STEP 1.Soak and prepare the dried chiles. Add the dried chiles in a heat-safe bowl and cover with hot water. Set it aside for 30 minutes until the chiles are tender and re-hydrated. Drain the chiles and segregate the stems and seeds.

step 2

• STEP 2.Combine chiles with the remaining ingredients. Transfer the chiles to the bowl of a large blender fitted with a blade. Now add on the tomato paste, roasted red peppers, garlic, ground caraway seeds, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a large pinch of kosher salt. Add fresh lemon juice.

step 3

• STEP 3.Make the harissa paste. Run the blender, and while it’s running, sprinkle the extra virgin olive oil from the top opening. Stop the blender to scrape down the sides and run again until you reach the wished paste-like texture. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking (remember that harissa paste will deepen in flavor as it sits in the fridge over the next day or two).

step 4

• STEP 4.Transfer the harissa paste into a clean jar. Apply it with a very thin layer of extra virgin olive oil, then cover the jar with its lid tightly and refrigerate.