Harissa Paste, 70g

Harissa paste is a hot, aromatic Middle East chilli paste, added to dishes to enhance flavours, used as a condiment, or even slathered onto a chunk of bread. 

What is harissa paste?

• Harissa paste is a spicy, aromatic North African chili paste.
• Main ingredient: Tunisian Baklouti chili, blended with spices.
• Popular in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.
• Versatile in marinades, stews, and as a condiment.

How hot is harissa?

Harissa can be quite hot. The main chilli in harissa paste is the Tunisian Baklouti – a large, fiery red chilli pepper.

Harissa paste is a chilli paste originally from the Barbary coast of North Africa. These are pureed with garlic, coriander and salt, and spices that differ depending on where in North Africa you try it.

Harissa is most closely associated with Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Libya. It is so deeply rooted in Tunisian cuisine, that harissa is sometimes described as Tunisia’s national condiment.

How do I cook with harissa paste?

Harissa paste is a great ingredient in marinades, bringing the fruity heat of chilli peppers and fragrance of coriander in one ingredient. Try adding a spoonful of harissa paste to a lamb stew, or use to marinate chicken before roasting or barbecuing.

Put a North African twist on your burger by using harissa paste instead of ketchup. Or use it to spice up a tomato sauce for chicken, lamb or goat and serve with rice. Harissa is also popularly used to flavour couscous – stir a spoonful through a steaming bowl of couscous and serve with roasted vegetables.

Whisk the harissa paste with water and a little oil to emulsify and make harissa sauce or dip. This is great with freshly baked flatbreads and roasted aubergine slices.

How do I choose which harissa paste to buy?

This is the classic harissa paste you can add to anything – just squeeze and go!

Rose harissa is also available – rose petals add a floral fragrance and slight sweetness. This is a particularly good partner for chicken.

You can also find harissa spice powder to add to dry spice rubs or for sprinkling over finished dishes. Harissa spice powders may use cayenne pepper instead of Baklouti, but will still contain coriander and garlic. Browse our Middle Eastern ingredients here to know more.

What does harissa tastes like?

Harissa is both spicy and aromatic. It tastes primarily of chilies, enhanced with a smoky warmth from spices like garlic, coriander, and caraway.

The heat is pronounced but balanced by earthy, slightly sweet undertones, and sometimes a hint of citrus from added acidifiers like lemon juice.

Harissa can have subtle differences in heat and spice, depending on its specific blend of ingredients.

Product formulations and details may change. For the latest ingredients and allergen information always check product packaging prior to consumption. Ingredients: Red hot pepper (87%), garlic, coriander, salt, caraway, acidifying: E330. Dry extracts: 14% minimum. Gluten free.

Storage: Keep away from heat and moisture. After opening keep in the refrigerator between 4-6C and use within 30 days.