Harissa

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Harissa

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

huh-RIS-uh  /həˈrɪsə/

Definition

A hot chilli paste or sauce originating in North Africa, particularly Tunisia, made from roasted red peppers, chilli peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway; a staple condiment and ingredient in Maghrebi cuisine.

Plain meaning

Harissa is the fiery North African chilli paste — deep red, smoky, and aromatic — made from roasted peppers, chillies, garlic, and spices. It is the essential condiment of Tunisian cooking and one of the most versatile ingredients in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines.

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Culinary and increasingly everyday. Harissa has become a mainstream ingredient in British cooking over the past twenty years, appearing in supermarkets and restaurant menus. It carries connotations of bold, aromatic, North African flavour.