Lauren Hayes 4h ago

laurensflavorlab #sauces

Mediterranean hot sauce, also known as harissa, is a thick North African chili paste made with dried chilies, roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and warm spices. This homemade harissa recipe creates a smoky, earthy, spicy, and tangy paste with deep red color and rich flavor. Dried New Mexico or Guajillo chilies provide the pepper base, while cumin, coriander, caraway, and smoked paprika add warm aromatic notes. Unlike thin vinegar-based hot sauces, harissa has a thick paste texture that works as a marinade, spread, dip, or cooking ingredient. The recipe takes about 40 minutes, including a 30-minute chili soaking time and 10 minutes of active preparation. One batch produces approximately 1.5 cups (355 ml) of Mediterranean hot sauce. Serve it with grilled chicken, lamb, roasted vegetables, hummus, eggs, lentil soup, couscous, flatbread, sandwiches, and other savory dishes.