10+ Recipes Using Harissa Paste for Flavorful Meals

Harissa paste is gaining popularity for adding bold flavors to a variety of dishes. This versatile ingredient can elevate simple recipes and bring a spicy warmth that many food lovers enjoy. Whether you are looking to spice up your chicken, vegetables, or even dips, harissa can offer a unique twist to your favorite meals.

With its origins in North African cuisine, harissa is often made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and spices. You will find that it pairs well with other ingredients, making it a favorite for cooks who love to experiment.

Dive into the world of harissa and discover how it can transform your cooking.

Spicy Harissa Chicken Wings

Spicy harissa chicken wings are a delicious treat perfect for any gathering. The key is the flavorful harissa paste, which adds a nice kick to the crispy wings. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less harissa, depending on your taste.

To start, marinate your chicken wings in a mix of harissa paste, salt, and pepper. This helps the flavors soak in.

For a crispy exterior, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through.

You might also experiment with different flavors. For a twist, mix some honey into the harissa for a sweet and spicy combo.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings
• Harissa paste
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix harissa paste, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings and coat them well.
4. Place wings on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

2) Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Harissa roasted cauliflower is a delicious way to add flavor to your meals. The spicy and smoky taste of harissa pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of cauliflower. You can easily make this dish as a side or a main course.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Wash a whole head of cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.

In a bowl, mix harissa paste with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This blend will help create a tasty crust.

Coat the cauliflower with the harissa mixture. Place it on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-40 minutes until it’s golden brown and tender.

You can also try using an air fryer set to 375°F (190°C) for a quicker option.

This dish works well for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) or the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and prepare the cauliflower.
3. In a bowl, mix harissa paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the cauliflower with the mixture.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes until tender and golden.

3) Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Harissa

Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Harissa is a flavorful dish that you can easily prepare at home. The lamb becomes tender and soaking in the rich spices, making it a delightful meal.

To start, choose a good cut of lamb, such as shoulder or leg. Cut it into chunks for even cooking. The harissa adds spice and depth to the dish.

This tagine is often served with couscous or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also garnish it with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lamb, shoulder or leg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Couscous or bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the lamb chunks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in harissa, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the lamb back in and pour in the broth.
6. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours at 325°F (160°C) until the lamb is tender.
7. Serve with couscous or bread. Enjoy!

4) Harissa Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Harissa grilled shrimp tacos are a delicious, spicy option for a quick meal. The harissa paste adds a rich flavor and a bit of heat to the shrimp. You can easily prepare this dish in under 30 minutes.

Start by marinating the shrimp in harissa paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.

While the shrimp marinates, prepare your tortillas by warming them in a pan until they’re golden.

Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.

Assemble your tacos with the shrimp and your choice of toppings like shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for added creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 corn or flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp in harissa, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
2. Warm tortillas in a hot pan until golden.
3. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp and desired toppings.

5) Harissa and Chickpea Stew

Harissa and chickpea stew is a flavorful and hearty dish. The rich spices of harissa blend well with chickpeas, creating a satisfying meal. This stew is perfect for chilly days.

To start, you will sauté some onions in olive oil until they are soft. Next, add garlic and your favorite harissa paste for that spicy kick.

Then, mix in canned tomatoes and chickpeas. Let everything simmer to enhance the flavors.

The dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. You can serve this stew with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Mix in harissa paste, then add tomatoes and chickpeas.
5. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt.

6) Harissa Carrot and Parsnip Soup

This soup is a cozy choice for chilly days. The combination of carrots, parsnips, and the spicy kick from harissa paste creates a warming and flavorful dish.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then add chopped carrots and parsnips. Stir everything together until the veggies soften a bit.

Next, pour in vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Add a few tablespoons of harissa paste for that spicy flavor. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Once cooked, blend the soup until smooth. You can add a splash of lime juice for brightness before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 1 liter (1¾ pints) vegetable stock
• 2-3 tablespoons harissa paste
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add chopped carrots and parsnips; stir for a few minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in harissa paste and simmer until veggies are tender.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and add lime juice before serving.

7) Harissa Shakshuka

Harissa shakshuka is a delicious and spicy dish you’re sure to enjoy. It combines eggs poached in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes and harissa paste. This dish originates from North Africa and is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they soften.

Then, stir in garlic and spices, along with the harissa paste. Next, add canned tomatoes and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Make little wells in the sauce to crack each egg into. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-8 minutes, until the eggs are just set. You can garnish it with fresh herbs if you like. Serve it with crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and harissa paste.
4. Add diced tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Create wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes until eggs are set. Enjoy!

8) Harissa Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Harissa pasta with roasted vegetables is a tasty dish that brings spice and color to your table. This recipe combines the rich flavor of harissa paste with fresh, vibrant veggies.

You can choose your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Roast them with olive oil at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This enhances their taste and gives them a lovely texture.

After roasting, mix the veggies with cooked pasta. Add some reserved pasta water for a silky sauce. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon or some garlic for extra flavor.

This dish is perfect for a quick dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding protein like chickpeas or chicken if you want.

Ingredients

• Pasta of your choice
• Harissa paste
• Olive oil
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop your vegetables and place them on a roasting tray.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
5. Mix the roasted veggies with the pasta and harissa paste.
6. Add a little pasta water to combine.
7. Serve warm, topped with fresh lemon juice or garlic.

9) Harissa-Marinated Eggplant

Harissa-marinated eggplant is a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. The spicy and aromatic harissa paste transforms the eggplant into a delicious treat.

To start, you will need fresh eggplant, which you can slice into rounds or lengthwise. Mix the harissa paste with olive oil, salt, and any other spices you enjoy. This mixture will add a nice kick to the eggplant.

Toss the eggplant slices in the harissa marinade and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Then, roast the eggplant in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them soft and slightly brown.

For a richer flavor, you can brush the eggplant with more harissa halfway through roasting. Serve it warm as a side dish or on a bed of grains.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2-3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and place it in a bowl.
3. Mix harissa paste, olive oil, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Toss eggplant with the harissa mixture.
5. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
6. Place eggplant on a baking sheet.
7. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Baked Harissa Tofu

Baked harissa tofu is a delicious and simple dish you can make at home. It features tofu marinated in harissa paste, which adds a lovely spicy and sweet flavor.

Start with firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into triangles or cubes for even cooking.

Mix harissa paste with a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings. Coat the tofu pieces thoroughly with this mixture. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to get the most flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the marinated tofu on a lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through so they get crispy on all sides.

This dish pairs great with rice, salads, or in tacos too!

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 10 minutes.
2. Cut the tofu into triangles or cubes.
3. Mix harissa paste with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the tofu with the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through.