Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey as I introduce you to the tantalizing and versatile harissa sauce. Join me as I discover the secret recipe for this Moroccan sauce while dining in Antwerp, Belgium. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to enhance your favorite dishes with this homemade, spicy sauce made from fresh ingredients like red bell peppers, coriander, and cumin seeds. Let’s dive into the world of homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce and elevate your meals to the next level!
It was a sunny day in Antwerp, Belgium, and my girlfriend and I were exploring the city’s charming streets. As we walked past a Middle Eastern restaurant, we were drawn in by the tantalizing aromas wafting out of the kitchen. We decided to stop and have lunch.
As we perused the menu, we couldn’t help but notice an item that stood out: homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce. We had never tried it before, so we asked the server about it. She described it as a spicy sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. Intrigued, we decided to give it a try.
When the dish arrived at our table, we were blown away by the depth of flavor. The sauce was spicy yet tangy and slightly sweet. We asked the server about the recipe, but she smiled and said it was a family secret.
We heard a loud crash from the kitchen as we were finishing our meal. One of the servers had dropped a tray of food, causing quite a commotion. In the chaos, we noticed a woman in the kitchen who seemed to be in charge. She looked over at us and smiled at us.
Feeling emboldened, I asked her about the homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce recipe. To my surprise, she agreed to share it with us. She listed the ingredients: dried red hot chili peppers, preserved lemon or lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, coriander seeds, cumin, paprika, and tomato paste.
We thanked her profusely and left the restaurant, eager to try making the homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce ourselves. Back at our Airbnb, we got to work. We soaked the dried chili peppers in hot water until soft, then removed the stems and seeds. Next, we blended them with garlic, coriander seeds, cumin, and paprika until they formed a paste. Then, we added preserved lemon, tomato paste, and salt, then slowly drizzled in olive oil until the sauce reached the desired consistency.
When we tasted the finished product, we were thrilled. It was just as delicious as the sauce we had tried at the restaurant. We served it with grilled chicken and vegetables, and it was a hit.
Here are some specific suggestions for what to serve with harissa sauce:
Grilled meats: Harissa sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb. Brush the sauce onto the meat during the last few minutes of grilling for a spicy and flavorful finish.
Vegetables: Drizzle harissa sauce over roasted or grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. It adds a delicious smoky, and spicy flavor to the vegetables.
Fish: Harissa sauce is also great with grilled or baked fish such as salmon or cod. It complements the delicate flavor of the fish and adds a spicy kick.
Sandwiches: Use harissa sauce as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a bold and spicy flavor. It works particularly well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or falafel.
Dips: Mix harissa sauce with hummus, yogurt, or mayonnaise for a delicious and spicy dip. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, pita bread, or chips.
Grain bowls: Drizzle harissa sauce over grain bowls, such as quinoa or rice, for a flavorful and spicy kick. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and grilled chicken or tofu.
Soups and stews: Add a spoonful of harissa sauce to soups or stews for an extra spicy and flavorful kick. It works particularly well with tomato-based soups or stews.
Homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in many ways. It adds a bold and spicy flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, fish, sandwiches, dips, grain bowls, and soups. Get creative and experiment with different ways to use harissa sauce in your cooking!
Here is how I created the homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1-2 Fresno chilies (optional)
- Bird’s eye chilies (as per taste)
- 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt (as per taste)
How to create the homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce?
- To begin, heat a small nonstick pan over medium heat and add coriander and cumin seeds. Stir continuously until the spices turn brown and become fragrant. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
- Next, roast the red bell peppers over an open flame until charred on all sides. You can use tongs to rotate the peppers and ensure even charring. Alternatively, you can broil the peppers in the oven or use jarred roasted peppers. Once the peppers are charred, remove them from the flame and allow them to cool. Once they have cooled, peel off the charred skin, discard the seeds, and chop the peppers into small pieces.
- Now it’s time to make the sauce. Add roasted spices, chopped bell peppers, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until a smooth paste forms. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add more olive oil.
- Once the sauce is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Note that you can adjust the sauce’s spiciness by adding or reducing the number of bird’s eye chilies used. You can also add smoked paprika for a smokier flavor. Harissa sauce is a versatile condiment used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or flavoring agent in various dishes.
Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey through the world of homemade spicy Moroccan harissa sauce! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this versatile and delicious condiment and that you feel inspired to try making it at home. Whether you use it as a marinade for meats, a spread on sandwiches, or a vegetable dip, harissa sauce will surely add a bold and spicy kick to any dish. Thank you for your attention, and happy cooking!
