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Roasted Red Pepper Harissa

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Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott

An extra chile for this harissa recipe will play up the heat, and if you’re feeling confident, you can customize the mix of spices as well.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
6 roasted red peppers from a jar, seeds removed
1 fresh red chile (such as cayenne or Fresno), halved, seeds removed
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt

Special Equipment

A spice mill

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium until garlic is tender, 10–15 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toast caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a dry small skillet, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool; finely grind in spice mill.

    Step 3

    Blend spices, garlic and oil, roasted red peppers, chile, vinegar, and sugar in a blender until smooth; season with salt.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Harissa can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

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