Sunday, June 21, 2009

Harissa, The North African Hot Sauce


If you like making your hot sauces, then this should be one to try, Its Harissa from the North African Countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Its a very common condiment that's used in a wide range of dishes from these Countries, its spicy but with a lot of smoky flavor from the dried chilies and toasted spices. Try it as you would any other hot sauce.


Ingredients:
10-12 dried Chile de Arbol or Ancho Chilies
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 cup olive oil

Method:
1. Soak the dry chilies in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate and soften them.
2. toast the seeds in a hot dry saute pan for a few minutes till they just start to smoke.
3. Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth.

Store refrigerated in small jars with a layer of olive oil on top of the paste.

No comments: