Skip to main content

Homemade 3-Chile Harissa

Image may contain Food Jam and Ketchup
Photo by Alex Lau

This irresistibly smoky-spicy condiment lasts for a month and perks up everything from scrambled eggs to lamb chops.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

15

dried chiles de árbol

2

dried guajillo chiles

1

dried ancho chile

1

tablespoon cumin seeds

1

1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds

3

garlic cloves, smashed

2

tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1

tablespoon white wine vinegar

1

tablespoon tomato paste

1

1/2 teaspoons hot smoked Spanish paprika

1

teaspoon kosher salt

3

/4 cup olive oil, divided

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place árbol, guajillo, and ancho chiles in a large heatproof measuring glass. Pour boiling water over to submerge, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit until chiles are very pliable and cool enough to handle, 15–20 minutes. Drain; remove stems and seeds and discard (wear gloves for this part if you have them).

    Step 2

    Toast cumin and coriander in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing constantly, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add garlic, and pulse until spices are broken up and garlic forms a paste. Add chiles and pulse until chiles form a coarse paste. Add lemon juice, vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, and salt and process until mostly smooth but mixture still has a little texture. With the motor running, stream in ½ cup oil. Process until oil is incorporated.

    Step 3

    Transfer harissa to a bowl. Pour remaining ¼ cup oil over top.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 4

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