Harissa is a versatile and flavorful chili pepper paste commonly used in Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be used as a condiment, marinade, or as an ingredient in various dishes. Here’s a traditional Palestinian harissa recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red chili peppers (a mix of mild and hot varieties)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for sealing
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chili Peppers:
- Deseeding the Chilies:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Cut the stems off the chili peppers, then split them open and remove the seeds.
- Discard the seeds or save them for a spicier harissa.
- Soaking the Chilies:
- Place the deseeded chilies in a bowl.
- Pour hot water over the chilies, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or until they become pliable.
2. Toasting the Seeds:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Allow the toasted seeds to cool.
3. Blending the Harissa:
- Drain the soaked chili peppers, reserving a bit of the soaking liquid.
- In a food processor, combine the soaked chilies, toasted cumin seeds, toasted coriander seeds, peeled garlic cloves, salt, and olive oil.
- Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Add a bit of the reserved soaking liquid if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Adjusting Flavor:
- Taste the harissa and adjust the salt and spiciness according to your preference.
- Optionally, add tomato paste for depth of flavor.
5. Finishing Touch:
- Add the juice of one lemon to the harissa and blend again to combine.
6. Storing:
- Transfer the harissa to a clean, airtight jar.
- Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve it.
- Seal the jar and store the harissa in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks.
7. Using Harissa:
- Use the harissa as a condiment for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
- Add it to stews, soups, or marinades for an extra kick of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Palestinian harissa! Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
