Harissa Paste with Dried Red Chili Peppers
Harissa paste made from dried cayenne peppers is the hottest form of harissa paste. Although easy to make and to adapt to your liking with regard to spices and types of chili peppers, it will be so hot as to make you sneeze. The heat from the chili embalms the air and you will feel it all the way down your throat. You might need to open the windows while sauteing. The good news is that you can omit this step but make sure you thoroughly pat dry the chilis before grinding them.
Yield: 32 tablespoons (1 lb. total)
Calories: 45kcal
Ingredients
- 10 oz dried red chili peppers
- 2 heads of garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds, optional
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds, optional
- 1 tbsp paprika, optional
Instructions
- It is suggested to wear plastic or latex gloves to handle the chili.
- Run the knife through the top end of each dried chili. Shake them head down and scrape out seeds. Discard them and leave the peppers to soak in hot water for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Drain and grind the chilis in a food processor or meat grinder (or mortar and pestle). Add salt, oil and any other spice used.
- OPTIONAL: Transfer the mix to a frying pan and saute for a few minutes over medium heat until it looks like a thick dark paste. Keep stirring. It is a delicate step as the heat will get to your nose and throat and there will be a lot of sneezing.
- Transfer the harissa to jars and top it with oil. Store in a dark place. Although you can do this in a cupboard, it is better to keep the harissa in the fridge, where it will stay for 2 to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for longer.
Notes
- This harissa is usually flavored with caraway seeds, coriander seeds and/or cumin while garlic and preserved lemons can be omitted.
Serving: 1tbsp (14 g) | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2455IU | Vitamin C: 2.9mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate obtained from online calculators. Optional ingredients may not be included in the nutritional information.
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