Foolproof Spicy Harissa Sauce With Tomato Paste

This quick and easy harissa sauce is a bold, versatile red sauce with just a few simple ingredients. Harissa, a North African spice blend traditionally used in Tunisian, Moroccan, and Algerian cuisine, brings earthy warmth with its combination of cumin, chili, coriander, garlic, and caraway. A touch of mint adds subtle freshness, while tomato paste and honey balance the heat with richness and sweetness. Perfect for meats, roasted vegetables, or even pasta, this sauce is your go-to recipe for easily spicing up everyday meals. Add this vibrant, flavorful harissa sauce to your recipe box, and you’ll always have a quick way to add heat and depth to your dishes.

I’ve been expanding my spice rack with new and bold flavors to explore different cuisines, and when I came across a Harissa spice blend at my local grocer, I knew I had to learn more. That curiosity led to this foolproof harissa red sauce recipe. Whether drizzling it over roasted vegetables, spooning it onto grilled meats, or stirring it into pasta, this sauce is an easy way to spice up your everyday meals while introducing your palate to something new and exciting.

If you’re unsure what to try this sauce on, I recommend these turkey meatballs!

Why You Will Love This Harissa Sauce Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe uses five simple ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep. 

Versatile and Flavorful: The rich, bold flavors of harissa spice blend with the sweetness of honey and the depth of tomato paste, creating a sauce that works with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables and even pasta.

A Touch of Culinary Adventure: For those looking to expand their spice rack or explore global flavors, this recipe offers a simple introduction to North African cuisine’s bold and aromatic world.

The Journey of Harissa: From North Africa to Canadian Kitchens

Harissa sauce originates in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia, where it’s considered a culinary staple. Its bold, spicy flavors have also made it a key ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, spreading across neighboring countries like Algeria and Morocco. There, it is often used in tagine recipes. 

Harissa is a versatile condiment in North African households, much like ketchup in Canada. It enhances everything from stews and couscous to sandwiches and marinades. In some regions, it’s even served as a table condiment, ready to be added to almost any dish, while other areas prefer it as a thick paste for a more concentrated flavor.

Harissa recipes came to Canada as global cuisine gained popularity, and immigration brought diverse culinary traditions. With its growing multicultural communities, Canada has embraced flavors from around the world, including North African cuisine. Harissa became more widely available through specialty markets and ethnic grocers, eventually making its way into mainstream grocery stores.

As Canadian palates have shifted toward bolder and more adventurous flavors, harissa has found a place in modern cooking. Chefs and home cooks alike use it to elevate dishes, experimenting with it as a marinade, sauce base, or spicy condiment. Today, it’s not uncommon to find harissa in fusion recipes or as a way to add a global twist to Canadian classics, making it as familiar to some as ketchup is to others.

Let’s Make This Easy Harissa Sauce

This is your simple guide to making the sauce. Begin making the harissa red sauce; heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot. Once the oil is heated, add the harissa powder spice blend to the pan. Stir the spice mixture constantly for about one minute. This process, known as “blooming,” helps release the spices’ essential oils and deepens their flavors.

Next, measure and add ½ cup of tomato paste to the saucepan, followed by 1 cup of chicken stock. Stir the ingredients with a whisk until well combined, ensuring the tomato paste fully dissolves into the stock. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the sauce reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat.

Finally, stir in the honey, which adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the spices, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce. Give the sauce one last good stir to incorporate the honey, and it’s ready to be used! This harissa sauce can be drizzled over meats, vegetables, or pasta, offering a bold, rich flavor to elevate any dish.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil: Adds a smooth base and helps bloom the spices, releasing their flavors.

Harissa Powder Spice: Brings heat, depth, and aromatic warmth to the sauce with a blend of chili, cumin, and garlic.

Tomato Paste: Is an essential ingredient as it gives the sauce richness and a concentrated tomato flavor, adding thickness and depth.

Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid that helps balance the thick tomato paste, creating a smooth, pourable sauce.

Honey: Adds a sweetness to balance the heat and spices, rounding out the flavors for a well-balanced sauce.

Substitutions And Add-Ins For This Tasty Harissa Sauce

Olive Oil:  You can sub with vegetable oil or ghee for a different flavor base.

Harissa Powder Spice: If you don’t have harissa powder, use this homemade blend that is similar to the one I used. 

Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes can work as a substitute, though they may make the sauce a bit thinner.

Chicken Stock: Vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Honey: Agave syrup or brown sugar can replace honey with a similar sweetness that complements the spices without overpowering them.

Scoville scale lovers may be disappointed as this recipe is low on the SHU. For more intense heat, you can incorporate a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Sriracha or chili garlic sauce) or chili paste for a spicy version of the sauce. 

Fresh herbs like flat-leaf parsley can also be a good addition. They add a mild, grassy flavor that complements the spices without overpowering them. Parsley is often used as a garnish for a fresh finishing touch to complement the finished dish. Another good herb to add a little of is Mediterranean oregano, which has a slightly floral, savory flavor that works well with the sauce. 

Expert Tips, Serving And Storing Suggestions For This Tasty Sauce.

Tip #1: Bloom the Spices Properly For Best Results: When adding the harissa spice to the hot olive oil, stir constantly for about a minute. This process helps release the oils and enhances the depth of flavor, making your sauce more aromatic and flavorful.

Tip #2: Adjust Consistency to Your Preference: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken the sauce.

Tip #3: Balance the Sweetness and Spice: Harissa can be quite strong-flavored, so taste the sauce after adding the honey. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey to suit your personal preferences.

Harissa red sauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways. The flavors work well with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or beef. It works wonderfully as a marinade or drizzle for roasted vegetables, couscous, or spicy harissa pasta. You can also serve it as a condiment alongside flatbreads or sandwiches for added depth and flavor.

Creamy harissa pasta is a delicious and bold dish that combines the smoky, spicy flavors of harissa with a rich, creamy sauce. To make it, cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a creamy harissa sauce made by blending the harissa red sauce with heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative. The result is a flavorful pasta with a nice heat balance, creaminess, and depth. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor. It’s a perfect dish for anyone who loves a little spice with their comfort food!

Rich harissa sauce is an exciting and flavorful dipping sauce for a variety of foods. It’s perfect for dipping crispy fries, roasted potatoes, or fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. You can also pair this sauce with grilled meats, such as chicken skewers or lamb chops, for a zesty and spicy kick. 

Any leftover harissa sauce can be stored in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. To store it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy it later by simply reheating it on the stove.

If you tried this harissa red sauce for the first time, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a star rating for the recipe and comment below with any tips or variations you made. Your feedback helps others discover delicious new flavors. As always, happy cooking!