Tunisian Harissa Recipe

Name: Tunisian Harissa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or olive); 1 6-oz can of tomato paste; 12 ounces red pepper flakes; 9 ounces water; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon caraway powder; 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil, to finish

Servings: persons

1
["Place a small sauce pan with the oil on low heat.
2
Add tomato paste and lightly saute for a few minutes until red color is released into the oil and it becomes fragrant.
3
*Note: Sauteing the tomato paste is to cook out the raw flavor, you do not want any browning.", "Add red pepper flakes and stir into the tomato paste and oil.
4
Add water and stir.
5
Add cumin powder, caraway powder, salt. Press two of the garlic cloves and add those as well.", "Stir mixture and check thickness. It should not be runny or too thick, more water can be added in small increments to reach the perfect consistency.
6
Cover the pot and set on the lowest heat setting possible.", "Let cook for 10-20 minutes or until the pepper flakes have all fully softened.
7
Remove from heat and let cool.", "Add 1 tbsp vinegar and two more pressed garlic cloves.
8
To finish, add 1/4 cup olive oil."]

583

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or olive), 1 6-oz can of tomato paste, 12 ounces red pepper flakes, 9 ounces water, and more.

Yes, Tunisian Harissa falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Tunisian Harissa

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions