Harissa: A Symphony of Spicy Flavour and Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of eating harissa? ›

Harissa Health Benefits

Aside from good flavor, capsaicin improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, aids in digestion, boosts metabolism and improves immunity. The spices: The coriander, caraway and cumin spices involved in traditional harrisa provide a complex flavor profile, but so much more.

Metabolism Booster: The capsaicin in chili peppers, a key component of harissa, has been linked to an increase in metabolism. This can aid in weight management and promote overall metabolic health. Heart Health: Olive oil, a staple in harissa recipes, is a heart-healthy fat.

“A lot of people think harissa is about spiciness,” he says, “but it's really about the quality of the chiles, the olive oil, the spices. The traditional harissa is valuable in two senses: the time and labor required to make it, and the value that you're getting, the amount of chiles and flavor instead of water.”

Packed with fiber, prebiotics, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory goodness, this versatile green sauce boosts your overall health, supports the immune system, aids digestion, and promotes gut health!

It also contains vitamins B6 and C from its chilies and monounsaturated fats from its olive oil, which support a healthy immune system, metabolism, and lowers our LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing our HDL or “good” cholesterol.

Add some spice to your meals and try our incredible Moroccan Harissa Recipe. Great as a marinade, a steak rub, or add to stews and salads. We will show you two versions – raw and roasted; which will you try?

Harissa has a slightly sweet taste as well as smoke, tang, and spice. It works in almost every Mediterranean dish. It's often substituted with sauces such as Tabasco, Sriracha, Chili bean paste and Gochujang so if you are already cooking with one of these try substituting it with Harissa.

The paste will last for about a month, once opened. Store it in the refrigerator with a light layer of olive oil on top to help keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze small amounts in ice cube trays and defrost cubes as needed. Be careful when harissa adding to recipes — a little goes a long way!

The spicy and aromatic chile paste that is widely used in Middle Eastern and North African cooking adds a kick of spice to any meal, from soups and stews to roasted vegetables to salads and even in marinades for proteins. Add it to hummus or your favorite dip or simply add to olive oil for bread dipping bliss.

Harissa is a hot chili paste that originated in Tunisia, North Africa. It is commonly used as a dip or marinade, or to add to dishes like stews to add vibrant red color and heat.

Where do I find harissa in the grocery store? ›

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.

Garlic and spices used in harissa have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Harissa is sometimes described as "Tunisia's main condiment", even "the national condiment of Tunisia", or at least as "the hallmark of Tunisia's fish and meat dishes". In Tunisia, harissa is used as an ingredient in a meat (poultry, beef, goat, or lamb) or fish stew with vegetables, and as a flavoring for couscous.

Ginger. Ginger is a delicious spice that researchers believe can improves your gut health, and is particularly beneficial for your stomach and intestines. Ginger may help to settle an upset stomach, which is why it's often used to combat nausea.

The spicy and aromatic chile paste that is widely used in Middle Eastern and North African cooking adds a kick of spice to any meal, from soups and stews to roasted vegetables to salads and even in marinades for proteins. Add it to hummus or your favorite dip or simply add to olive oil for bread dipping bliss.

There are 10 calories in a 1 tablespoon (16.000g) serving size of Harissa Paste. The calorie breakdown is 0% fat, 81% carbs, and 0% protein.