Homemade Harissa Paste: North African Heat

By Maya Gonzalez · September 29, 2026

What Is Harissa?

Harissa is a fiery, aromatic chili paste from Tunisia, central to North African cuisine. It combines dried chiles, garlic, spices, and olive oil into a versatile condiment.

Ingredients

8-10 dried guajillo or New Mexico chiles
4-6 garlic cloves
1 tsp caraway seeds, toasted
1 tsp coriander seeds, toasted
1/2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt, juice of 1 lemon

Method

Rehydrate chiles in hot water for 30 minutes. Toast and grind spices. Blend chiles (seeds removed for less heat), garlic, ground spices, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust consistency with soaking liquid.