What is Harissa?

We got a great article from our USFoods rep – Mark Aiello. He sends out these great emails every Sunday. Always a market report, timely info (like St. Patrick’s Day recipes) and food trivia. I’ve copied and pasted for your reading pleasure… plan to cook shortly thereafter!

Thanks Mark!

Maybe you’ve heard of harissa, but have you ever tried it? If you love condiments and adding a kick of spice to your meals, you’ll want to check this out!

Harissa is a pungent paste or sauce made with chilies, garlic, cumin, caraway, coriander, paprika, and olive oil, used as a condiment and flavoring in North African and Middle Eastern cookery.

Harissa recipes vary between countries and regions, but a standard version includes a blend of hot chile peppers (which are often smoked), garlic, olive oil and spices, like cumin, coriander, caraway and mint. Tomatoes and rose petals are also common ingredients.

Even if you love spicy food, harissa packs quite a punch. A little goes a long way.

Where to Find Harissa

Harissa is most commonly found ready-made in jars, tubes and cans. A spice powder version is also available. Your best bet for finding harissa is Middle Eastern markets, specialty stores and in the ethnic section of most grocery stores.

How to Use Harissa

I think the better question is, how can you not use harissa!

This flavor-packed paste can be used to enhance soups, stews, appetizers and main dishes. Use it as a marinade for meat and fish. Blend it into hummus, or any of your favorite dips. Use it as a spread to liven up your pizza.