How To Make Harissa Paste

How To Make Harissa Paste

Ingredients

• 140 g dried chile ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 2 red bell pepper ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 6 piece sun-dried tomatoes ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 6 clove garlic ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp salt ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 1 tsp caraway seeds ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 1 tsp coriander seeds ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))
• 1 tsp cumin seed ((choice, 5 oz - any combination of Guajillo, New Mexico, Ancho, Chipotle, Arbol))

Instructions

1. Use a combination of your favourite chilies.
2. I used dried Guajillo, Ancho and Chipotle chilies and fresh sweet bell peppers.
3. This combination results in moderately-mild spicy harissa.
4. If you prefer more heat, add some Arbol chilies or skip the bell peppers.
5. Start by roasting the bell peppers in an oven preheated to 175 °C/ 350 °F.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the peppers are soft.
7. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool down.
8. Put a piece of baking foil over the peppers and set aside until they are easy to handle.
9. Then, peel the skin and remove the seeds.
10. While the peppers are baking, soften the dried chilies.
11. Place the chilies in a pot and cover with boiling water.
12. Place a lid on top and let them sit for 20-30 minutes.
13. Meanwhile, toast the spices.
14. Place the coriander, cumin and caraway seeds in a hot pan and dry-roast briefly for just a minute or two.
15. Grind the spices in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
16. Drain the chilies, remove the stems and seeds.
17. Place everything in a food processor or blender: chilies, roasted and peeled bell peppers, toasted and ground spices, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, turmeric powder, salt, olive oil and lemon juice.
18. Process until smooth.
19. Place the paste in a jar and store in the fridge for up to a week.
20. Place any remaining harissa paste in an ice-cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months.