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4.7 from 33 votes

Homemade Harissa Recipe (How to Make Harissa Paste)

Harissa is a versatile chili paste made with a mix of chilies, oil and seasonings, used as a flavor base or a sauce for a wide variety of dishes. This is my tried and true recipe I've been making for years.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 76 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 6 dried Guajillo peppers stemmed and seeded
  • 6 dried ancho peppers stemmed and seeded
  • 3 dried pasilla peppers
  • 6 dried chiles de arbol
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste optional
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Set the dried peppers into a large bowl or pot and pour boiling water over them. Let them steep about 20 minutes to soften. Set them into the food processor. NOTE: I prefer to dry toast the dried peppers in a hot skillet a few minutes before rehydrating them to release their oils, though you can make harissa without this step.
  2. Dry roast the caraway seeds, coriander sees and cumin seeds in a pan until they are fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Cool then grind them up with a mortar and pestle. Into the food processor they go.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients and process to form a paste while drizzling in the olive oil. Strain for a smoother harissa.
  4. Store in a jar with a little oil over the top. Use as needed.

Notes

  • Store in the refrigerator. Because of the use of garlic in this recipe, use within a week.
  • NOTE: I prefer to dry toast the dried peppers in a hot skillet a few minutes before rehydrating them to release their oils, though you can make harissa without this step.
  • You can use other dried peppers of choice, like New Mexican chilies or chilies from the Mediterranean region. Use 4 ounces in weight.

Nutrition Information

Calories 76kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Fat 7g (11%) Sodium 583mg (24%) Potassium 72mg (2%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 885IU (18%) Vitamin C 26.6mg (30%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 76

% Daily Value*

Calories 76kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Fat 7g 11%
Sodium 583mg 24%
Potassium 72mg 2%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 885IU 18%
Vitamin C 26.6mg 30%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.