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Spices

Harissa Paste

North Africa's most famous chilli paste — smoky, complex and addictively hot.

Karen Browne · 23 May 2026
Harissa Paste

Ingredients

  • 6 dried red chillies, soaked and drained
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp salt

Method

  1. Toast cumin, coriander and caraway seeds in a dry pan.
  2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Taste and adjust heat and seasoning.
  4. Transfer to a sterilised jar, top with a layer of olive oil.
  5. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks — brilliant in tagines, with grilled meat or stirred into yogurt.