Harissa – June Featured Ingredient

Harissa – June Featured Ingredient has become my new favorite seasoning. You have probably seen recipes made with this spice mix or even seen it on your market shelves. Scared to give this flavorful blend a try? Well, don’t be intimidated. I say embrace this fantastic seasoning blend for its ability to heighten the flavor of seafood especially shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. You won’t be sorry. Use a little or more according to your taste.

Harissa – June Featured Ingredient

So what is Harissa actually? Tunisian hot red chile peppers are ground into a paste. Starting with roasted red peppers or serrano peppers blended with spices and herbs, garlic paste, coriander seeds, cumin, caraway seeds, and olive oil. Vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, mint, and tomato paste are added in some varieties.

Harissa is found to be a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. It’s said one-quarter of the world’s population eats this spice blend on a daily basis. Wow, who knew?

Harissa – June Featured Ingredient

You’re probably asking what to cook with Harissa? Let’s start with a favorite recipe of mine, Harissa Shrimp and Spicy Tomato Skillet. It’s delicious served over creamy polenta and the perfect first try at using harissa. Also, try using the blend on fish or chicken breast especially on the grill.Lemon is a great pairing. Try seasoning couscous or rice if you love chile flavors.

However, one of the best reasons to use Harissa is when grilling. It’s my new friend on the grill because the smokiness just comes alive and makes it easy to adjust the spiciness. Add the spice mix to burgers or brush on grilled vegetables. I’m telling you it’s magic.

Harissa – June Featured Ingredient

The versatility of this flavorful mix is endless. Use your imagination as just a little goes along way in giving your dinner menu a pick-me-up. Get ready to fall in love with its sweet and spicy quality. You can find Harissa paste at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sur La Table, The Spice House and most local markets in paste form.

Most often, if you would rather have ground spice mix checkout Savory Spice Shop online for this mixture. This is my favorite way to use the spice blend. Again, spice things up a little by incorporating the heavenly paste in soups, stews, appetizers, marinades, hummus, dips, and even pizza. Enhance your food and Happy Cooking!