Skip to main content

Roasted Red Pepper Harissa

Image may contain Food
Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott

An extra chile for this harissa recipe will play up the heat, and if you’re feeling confident, you can customize the mix of spices as well.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
6 roasted red peppers from a jar, seeds removed
1 fresh red chile (such as cayenne or Fresno), halved, seeds removed
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt

Special Equipment

A spice mill

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium until garlic is tender, 10–15 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toast caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a dry small skillet, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool; finely grind in spice mill.

    Step 3

    Blend spices, garlic and oil, roasted red peppers, chile, vinegar, and sugar in a blender until smooth; season with salt.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Harissa can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.