What is Harissa? A Beginner’s Guide to This North African Wonder Paste

Fiery, fragrant and utterly addictive — harissa is more than just a spicy paste. It’s a bold statement in North African cuisine that has found its way onto tables from Marrakesh to Manchester. But what exactly is harissa, where does it come from, and how can you use it in your own kitchen?

This comprehensive beginner’s guide will demystify harissa, explore its origins, show you how to make it, and offer inventive ways to cook with it, whether you're roasting veg or jazzing up your next Sunday lamb.

Pair your harissa recipes with British Soda Bread Tradition for a spicy-meets-hearty meal.

🌶 What is Harissa?

Harissa is a spicy and aromatic chilli paste originating in Tunisia, widely used across North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s made from dried or fresh chillies, garlic, olive oil, spices (like coriander seeds, cumin, and caraway), and sometimes lemon juice or tomato paste for added acidity and balance.

It strikes a perfect harmony between heat, tang, and smokiness — think of it as the Sriracha of the Maghreb, but with more depth and earthy complexity.

🗺 A Brief History of Harissa

The word “harissa” comes from the Arabic verb harasa, meaning “to pound” — a nod to its traditional method of preparation using a mortar and pestle.

Harissa’s history is as rich as its flavour. It emerged during the Arab spice trade and was later influenced by Spanish-introduced chillies during the 16th century. Tunisia claims it as its own, but you’ll find regional variations throughout Morocco, Algeria, and Libya, with each version differing in heat level, texture, and added ingredients.

🧄 Ingredients in Traditional Harissa

While recipes vary, the essential ingredients typically include:

Red chillies (dried or fresh)
Garlic cloves
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Caraway seeds
Olive oil
Salt
Optional: tomato paste, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika

You can find excellent store-bought options, but homemade harissa can be easily tailored to your spice preference.

🔪 How to Make Harissa Paste at Home

Here’s a simple base recipe to make authentic harissa at home:

You’ll need:

10 dried red chillies (soaked in hot water for 30 mins)
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp caraway seeds
2 tbsp tomato paste
Juice of half a lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Toast the cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Blitz everything in a food processor or blend with a mortar and pestle.
Add olive oil slowly to create a thick, spreadable paste.
Store in a jar, covered with a thin layer of oil, for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

🍳 6 Ways to Use Harissa in Your Cooking

1. Stir it into hummus
Give your hummus a fiery lift by adding a spoonful of harissa for depth and spice.

2. Rub for meat or fish
Harissa makes a phenomenal rub for grilled lamb, roast chicken or even salmon fillets.

3. Add to stews and soups
Just a tablespoon can transform lentil soups, chickpea stews, or vegetable tagines.

4. Toss with roasted vegetables
Try harissa with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower for caramelised edges and smoky flair.

5. Spice up your eggs
Drizzle harissa over fried eggs, poached eggs or shakshuka — like this stunning version of Cocoa and Hazelnut Pancake Stack Recipe that would pair beautifully with harissa-spiced sweet potatoes on the side.

6. Spread on sandwiches or flatbreads
Use as a spread in wraps, sandwiches, or inside homemade flatbreads like these fluffy Yoghurt Flatbreads.

🛒 Where to Buy Harissa

You can find harissa in most supermarkets today, often in jars, tubes, or tins. Look out for:

Belazu Rose Harissa (UK)
Le Phare du Cap Bon (Tunisia)
Mina Harissa (Moroccan style)

🔄 Variations of Harissa

While red harissa is most common, here are some exciting variants:

Green Harissa: made with green chillies, herbs, and preserved lemon — perfect for fish or chicken.
Rose Harissa: includes rose petals for a floral note; beautiful with lamb.
Smoky Harissa: includes smoked paprika or chipotle for added depth.

🧊 Storage Tips

To maximise shelf life:

Store in a clean, sterilised jar.
Keep covered with olive oil.
Refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks.
For longer shelf life, freeze in ice cube trays.

Easy Homemade Harissa | A North African Chile Paste

❓ SEO-Optimised FAQs About Harissa

1. What is harissa made of?
Traditional harissa is made from red chillies, garlic, olive oil, spices like cumin and coriander, and often lemon juice or tomato paste.

2. Is harissa very spicy?
It can be! Harissa ranges from mildly spicy to quite hot, depending on the chillies used. You can adjust the heat when making it at home.

3. What does harissa taste like?
Harissa has a bold, smoky, and slightly tangy flavour with earthy spice and a pleasant kick of heat. It’s deeply aromatic and savoury.

4. Can I use harissa instead of hot sauce?
Yes, but keep in mind harissa is thicker and richer than typical hot sauce. It’s perfect as a rub, marinade, or base for sauces and soups.

5. How long does homemade harissa last?
Stored in the fridge and covered with oil, it lasts up to 2–3 weeks. You can also freeze portions for long-term use.

6. Where can I buy authentic harissa in the UK?
Look for jars or tubes at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, or online at spice specialists.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Why Harissa Belongs in Your Kitchen

Harissa is one of those magical condiments that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s not just for spicy food lovers — it's for anyone looking to bring warmth, depth, and global flavour into everyday cooking.

So next time you want to elevate a tray of roasted veg, punch up your grain bowls, or impress guests with bold lamb dishes — harissa is your secret weapon.