Preparation

Place chilies in a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Place a small plate directly on top of chillies to keep them submerged then stand for 1½ hours or until very soft. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat a small frying pan over medium–low heat, add spices and fry, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Finely grind spices in an electric spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Combine drained chilies, spices, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper and remaining ingredients in a small food processor. Process to a smooth paste, occasionally scraping down sides. Push mixture through a food mill, extracting as much purée as possible; the solids should be dry. Transfer mixture to a sterilised jar and seal. Harissa will keep for up to 1 year stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

  • Harissa is a mixture of spices typical of the Maghreb, used to season couscous, pasta, sandwiches and soups;
  • 100 g dried long red chilies, seeded
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice