Are you a big fan of harissa paste but find yourself running low or completely out of this spicy ingredient? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes available that will add a similar flavor and heat to your dishes. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best harissa paste substitutes that you can use in your recipes.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a spicy and flavorful chili paste that originated in North Africa, specifically in Tunisia. It is typically made from a blend of roasted or dried chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. The paste is commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in dishes such as stews, soups, and roasted meats.
Harissa can range in spiciness from mild to very hot, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. It is also commonly found in the form of harissa powder or harissa seasoning blends, which can be used as a dry rub or seasoning for meats, vegetables, and grains.
What does Harissa Taste Like?
Harissa has a rich, spicy, and smoky flavor with a deep heat that can range from mild to very hot, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. The garlic and spices used in making harissa also add complexity to its flavor profile, with notes of cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. The paste can also have a slightly tangy and acidic taste due to the addition of vinegar or lemon juice, which helps to balance the heat and enhance the other flavors. Overall, harissa has a bold and complex flavor that can add depth and heat to a variety of dishes.
How to Use Harissa
To use harissa, start by adding a small amount to marinades for meats, poultry, or seafood to infuse them with a rich and spicy kick. Incorporate it into stews, soups, and sauces to enhance depth and warmth. Stirring harissa into mayonnaise, yogurt, or hummus can create delicious spreads and dips. For roasted or grilled vegetables, brushing them with a harissa-infused oil before cooking imparts a delectable smoky and spicy flavor.
You can also mix harissa with olive oil and drizzle it over pizzas, flatbreads, or grilled bread for a fiery twist. Its versatility allows you to experiment and find the perfect balance of heat and flavor for your culinary creations.
Is All Harissa Spicy
Yes, harissa is commonly spicy. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the type and quantity of chili peppers used in the preparation. While some variations of harissa might have milder heat levels, the traditional and widely known versions tend to be quite spicy. It’s advisable to taste a small amount before using it in a dish to gauge the spiciness and adjust accordingly based on your heat tolerance.
What Is Rose Harissa
Rose harissa is a flavorful and aromatic condiment that is a variation of traditional harissa. It originates from North African cuisine, particularly Tunisia, and is known for its rich blend of spices, roasted red peppers, and dried rose petals. Rose harissa typically includes ingredients like hot chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds, which contribute to its complex and spicy flavor profile.
What does Rose Harissa Taste Like
The addition of dried rose petals gives it a unique floral note and a slightly sweet undertone, balancing out the heat from the chili peppers. It’s commonly used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient to add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, stews, and even dips.
Harissa Paste vs Harissa Powder
Harissa paste and harissa powder are two distinct forms of the same flavorful North African condiment. Harissa paste is a thick, spreadable mixture made by blending hot chili peppers, spices, herbs, and often garlic and olive oil. It has a concentrated flavor and is commonly used as a marinade, sauce, or dip.
On the other hand, harissa powder is a dried and ground version of the same ingredients, offering convenience and a longer shelf life. Harissa powder can be used as a seasoning to add heat and depth to dishes, while harissa paste is more versatile due to its paste-like consistency.
The choice between the two depends on whether you prefer the convenience of a spice blend or the texture and richness of a paste in your culinary creations.
The Best Simple Harissa Substitutes
Red Pepper Flakes
If you have a jar of red pepper flakes in your pantry, you’re in luck! This is one of the easiest and most accessible harissa substitutes you can use. Simply mix a few tablespoons of red pepper flakes with some olive oil and garlic, and you’ll have a quick and easy harissa paste that you can use in your dishes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance and taste.
Red Chili Paste
Red chili paste is another great substitute for harissa paste. You can find this ingredient at most grocery stores or Asian markets. It has a similar flavor and heat to harissa paste and can be used in equal amounts in your recipes. Mix the red chili paste with some olive oil and garlic to make a quick and easy harissa substitute.
Red Chili Peppers
If you prefer to use fresh ingredients, you can substitute red chili peppers for harissa paste. Simply chop the peppers and mix them with some olive oil, garlic, and other spices like cumin and caraway seeds to create a homemade harissa paste. This method allows you to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Sambal Oelek
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste that has a similar flavor to harissa paste. You can find it at most grocery stores or Asian markets. Use sambal oelek in equal amounts to harissa paste in your recipes. Mix it with some olive oil and garlic to create a spicy and flavorful sauce.
Harissa Powder
If you have harissa powder in your spice cabinet, you can easily make a harissa paste substitute by mixing it with some olive oil and garlic. Harissa powder is a blend of spices including chili peppers, cumin, and caraway seeds. This method allows you to control the amount of heat in your dish.
No matter which harissa substitute you choose, be sure to adjust the amount of heat to suit your taste. Always taste your dishes as you go and adjust the spices and seasoning accordingly.
My Favorite Recipes Using Harissa
Easy Harissa Hummus
Roast Chicken with Lemony Harissa Glaze
Slow-Roasted Salmon With Harissa
DIY Homemade Harissa Paste
Creating your own DIY homemade harissa paste is a delightful way to infuse dishes with the vibrant flavors of North African cuisine.
How to make Homemade Harissa Paste
To make this fiery condiment, blend together dried red chili peppers, garlic cloves, ground cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, a pinch of salt, and olive oil in a food processor. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference. For an extra dimension of taste, consider adding roasted red bell peppers and a spoonful of tomato paste.
How to store Homemade Harissa Paste
Once blended to a smooth consistency, transfer the aromatic paste to a sterilized jar, cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness, and store in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Sriracha
While both sriracha and harissa are spicy condiments, they have different flavor profiles and are not exact substitutes for each other. Sriracha is a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce that originated in Thailand and is made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Harissa, on the other hand, is a North African chili paste that has a smoky and complex flavor, with notes of garlic, cumin, and other spices.
If you don’t have harissa and are looking for a substitute, sriracha can work in a pinch, but it will give your dish a different flavor profile. It will add heat and some sweetness, but it won’t have the smokiness and complexity of harissa. You may need to adjust the other flavors and spices in your recipe to balance out the flavor. Alternatively, you can try mixing some sriracha with other ingredients such as cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, or smoked paprika to add some of the missing flavors and create a closer match to harissa.
Can I use Tomato Paste instead of Harissa?
Tomato paste is not a good substitute for harissa as they have very different flavor profiles. Harissa has a rich, smoky, and spicy flavor with notes of garlic, cumin, and other spices, while tomato paste has a sweet and tangy flavor with a thick texture.
Can I substitute Harissa for Red Curry Paste?
While harissa and red curry paste are both spicy condiments that can be used to add heat and flavor to a dish, they have different flavor profiles and are not exact substitutes for each other. Red curry paste is a Thai condiment that has a blend of red chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and other spices, while harissa has a smoky and complex flavor with notes of garlic, cumin, and other spices.
If you don’t have harissa and are looking for a substitute, red curry paste can work in a pinch, but it will give your dish a different flavor profile. It will add heat and some spiciness, but it won’t have the smokiness and complexity of harissa. You may need to adjust the other flavors and spices in your recipe to balance out the flavor.
Can you substitute Harrisa for chipotle?
While both Harissa and chipotle have a smoky flavor and add heat to dishes, they have different flavor profiles and are not exact substitutes for each other. Harissa is a North African chili paste that has a complex flavor profile with notes of garlic, cumin, and other spices, while chipotle is a Mexican chili pepper that has a rich smoky flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many harissa substitutes that you can use in your cooking, whether it be red pepper flakes, red chili paste, red chili peppers, sambal oelek, harissa powder, or even a combination of these ingredients. Don’t let a lack of harissa paste hold you back from making delicious and spicy dishes. Experiment with different substitutes and find the one that works best for you!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
