14 Recipes to Make with Harissa

February 29, 2020

Harissa is having a moment, and is definitely worth a spot in your kitchen. This spice paste is typically associated with North African cuisine. Its combination of chili peppers, garlic and spices like cumin and coriander create a fiery blend. Recipes like Okra & Chickpea Tagine and Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potato Soup use the spice to pack a spicy, bold punch.

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Lamb & Chickpea Chili

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This spicy chili has a North African spin with lamb, cinnamon and harissa. If you can't find harissa, use mild chili powder in its place. You can turn up the heat with a little cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy. Serve with whole-wheat pita bread and tabbouleh. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2011

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Grilled Chicken Wings with Carrots & Celery

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These grilled chicken wings get that wonderful mix of sweet and spicy flavors from honey and harissa. Most grills cook unevenly, so it's important to keep these wings moving around to ensure crispy skin without burning. Traditional chicken wing sides--carrots and celery--cook right alongside the chicken for a quick dinner on the grill. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Honey-Harissa Pork Tenderloin with Saffron Freekeh & Zucchini

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In this 30-minute healthy dinner recipe, whole-grain freekeh cooks unattended while you finish the rest of the meal. Using baby vegetables cuts down on prep time because they can be cooked whole. Look for them near prepared and/or specialty vegetables. If you can't find them, use 4 cups sliced small zucchini or summer squash instead (1/2-inch-thick slices). Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2016

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Salmon & Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls

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Harissa adds Moroccan flavor to this healthy grain bowl recipe without needing a long list of ingredients. Just 5 ingredients is all you need to get dinner (or a packable lunch) on the table in under an hour! Source: EatingWell.com, January 2018

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Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potato Soup

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This healthy chicken soup recipe gets bold Moroccan flavor from sweet potatoes, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and a touch of fiery harissa. To get a homemade stock flavor using store-bought broth, we simmer bone-in chicken breasts in the broth before adding the rest of the soup ingredients. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Soup Cookbook

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Okra & Chickpea Tagine

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This quick and easy okra and chickpea stew is full of Moroccan flavors. The name “tagine” refers to the two-part, cone-shaped casserole dish in which countless slow-cooked Moroccan dishes are prepared. You don't need to prepare this in a tagine dish--it works well in a large saucepan--but if you have one, here's a chance to use it. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2008

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Harissa-Rubbed Steak & Carrot Salad

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Here we pair harissa-rubbed grilled steak with tangy North African-spiced carrots. Serve with whole-wheat couscous. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2011

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Green Shakshuka

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Shakshuka, or eggs poached in an aromatic tomato sauce, is a fast, one-pan breakfast staple in Northern Africa and Israel. This healthy recipe features spinach, herbs and tomatillos. Garnish with a touch of harissa--a fiery chile paste--and dip some toasted whole-grain country bread into the jammy yolks. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Tunisian Roasted Vegetables with Tuna & Hard-Boiled Eggs

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Harissa paste adds heat to roasted vegetables in this Tunisian-inspired main dish. Hard-boiled eggs and canned white tuna add protein, while Kalamata olives offer a nice briny flavor. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Spicy Chicken and Snow Pea Skillet

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Chock-full of nutrients, snow peas shine in this 20-minute, harissa-sauced, one-pot meal that feeds the whole family. Harissa is a North African hot chile paste--use just a teaspoon if you prefer a mild flavor. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Harissa Mackerel & Endive

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Harissa, the flavorful chili paste from Tunisia, gives this mackerel salad a spicy punch. If you need an alternative, try another chili paste, such as gochujang, sambal oelek or chile-garlic paste. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2018

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Pressure-Cooker Buddha Bowl

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Whip up this healthy vegetarian grain bowl with ease in your Instant Pot. Pressure-cooking the sweet potato is faster and yields the perfect texture. A drizzle of homemade spicy dressing takes this easy dinner to the next level. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2017

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Kefta

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Kefta, seasoned ground meat, is one of Morocco's most popular street foods. Traditionally, kefta is washed down with a glass of sweet mint tea. It's delicious served with ratatouille. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2008

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Grilled Corn & Carrot Giardiniera

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In this spicy-sweet marinated vegetable recipe, harissa and jalapeño lend quite a bit of heat, so adjust to your taste. Serve the giardiniera with grilled chicken or steak, or on top of your favorite salad for a vinegary bite. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2017

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