10+ Recipes Using Harissa Paste for Bold and Flavorful Meals

Harissa paste is a flavorful North African condiment that can add a kick to your meals. This versatile paste can be used in a variety of dishes, enhancing everything from meats to vegetables with a unique blend of spices.

Using harissa in your cooking can bring new life to your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a savory chicken dish or a zesty vegetable stew, this ingredient helps create exciting flavors that will impress your family and friends.

1) Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice

Halal cart-style chicken and rice is a popular dish you can easily make at home. It features marinated chicken served over flavorful yellow rice. The dish is often topped with a delicious white sauce and can include spicy harissa for an extra kick.

To prepare this dish, you will need to marinate the chicken with spices like oregano, lemon, and coriander. Cooking the chicken until it’s browned and tender is key to achieving great flavor.

You can serve it with a side of fresh vegetables for added crunch. Don’t forget to drizzle some creamy sauce on top to tie all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs
• 2 cups yellow rice
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook yellow rice according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
4. Slice chicken and serve it over rice.
5. Drizzle yogurt sauce and harissa on top before serving. Enjoy!

2) Harissa and Halloumi Toasties

Harissa and halloumi toasties are a delicious choice for a quick meal. The spicy harissa pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of halloumi cheese. You can enjoy this recipe for lunch or dinner.

To make these toasties, start with your favorite bread. Cut thick slices of halloumi, and spread harissa on the bread. Grill the halloumi until golden brown, then stack it on the bread.

Drizzle a bit of honey for a touch of sweetness. You can also add sliced tomatoes for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 100g halloumi cheese
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Sliced tomatoes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread harissa on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place halloumi on the other side.
4. Grill until halloumi is golden, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Assemble the toasties and drizzle with honey. Enjoy!

3) Spicy Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy harissa roasted cauliflower is a tasty and simple dish to make. It’s perfect as a side or even a main dish. The cauliflower becomes tender and flavorful when roasted with harissa paste.

To begin, cut the cauliflower into florets. You can easily coat them with a mixture of harissa, olive oil, and salt. This gives the cauliflower a nice kick.

Next, spread the florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden and slightly crispy.

This dish is best served warm. It’s great for adding to salads or enjoying on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets.
3. In a bowl, mix harissa paste, olive oil, and salt.
4. Toss the cauliflower in the mixture.
5. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.

4) Lemon Harissa Chicken with Vegetables

Lemon Harissa Chicken with Vegetables is a quick and tasty dish. The spicy harissa combined with fresh lemon makes this meal both flavorful and bright. You can cook it all on one pan, making cleanup easy.

Start by marinating the chicken with harissa paste, lemon juice, and zest. This adds a wonderful zing to the chicken. Then, add your choice of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the pan.

Roast everything in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken will be juicy, and the vegetables tender.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix harissa paste, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Coat the chicken in the mixture.
4. Place the chicken on a sheet pan with vegetables.
5. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

5) Harissa Honey Chicken

Harissa honey chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. The harissa adds a nice kick, while honey balances it with sweetness.

Start by marinating chicken thighs in a mix of harissa, honey, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Next, cook the chicken in a hot skillet or grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You will enjoy a smoky and citrusy meal that pairs well with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix harissa, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
5. Serve warm.

6) Smoked Lamb Meatballs with Harissa

You can create delicious smoked lamb meatballs using harissa for a spicy kick. These meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Start by mixing ground lamb with harissa paste, breadcrumbs, and chopped herbs. The harissa adds a unique flavor that’s both smoky and spicy.

Form the mixture into small meatballs and smoke them on your grill. They’ll get a nice char and a rich flavor.

Serve these meatballs with a yogurt sauce or over a bed of couscous to balance the heat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground lamb, harissa, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, and salt.
3. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs.
4. Lightly oil the grill grates.
5. Place meatballs in the smoker and cook for about 1 hour.
6. Serve with yogurt sauce or couscous.

7) Harissa-Spiced Chicken Wings

Harissa-spiced chicken wings are a delicious way to enjoy bold flavors. The heat from the harissa paste pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. This recipe is simple, making it great for a gathering or a game day snack.

To prepare, you’ll need chicken wings, harissa paste, honey, and a bit of butter. The sweetness from the honey balances the spicy notes of the harissa.

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings
• 1/2 cup harissa paste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix harissa paste, honey, and melted butter.
3. Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the wings in the harissa mixture until well coated.
5. Place wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

8) Harissa Baked Fish

Harissa baked fish is a delicious and easy dish you can prepare for dinner. The spicy and flavorful harissa paste adds a great kick to your fish, making it a standout meal.

You can use any white fish like cod or haddock for this recipe. Simply coat the fish with a mixture of harissa, yogurt, and some herbs for added flavor.

Baking the fish at 400°F (200°C) ensures it cooks through while keeping it moist. Pair it with vegetables like carrots or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (cod, haddock, or your choice)
• 4 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix harissa paste, yogurt, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat the fish fillets in the mixture.
4. Place the fish in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

9) Harissa-Paprika Scrambled Eggs

Harissa-paprika scrambled eggs are a tasty way to start your day. The combination of spices adds warmth and flavor. You can prepare them quickly for a satisfying breakfast.

To make these eggs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The harissa gives a nice kick, while paprika adds depth.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, harissa, paprika, and cream together until smooth.
2. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
3. Pour in the egg mixture.
4. Stir gently until the eggs are softly scrambled to your liking.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

10) Harissa-Infused Fried Potatoes

Harissa-infused fried potatoes are a tasty treat. The spice adds a warm and bold flavor to each bite. These potatoes are perfect as a side dish or a snack.

To start, peel and cube your potatoes. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.

Next, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the potatoes. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Now, it’s time to mix in the harissa. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with harissa paste for a rich flavor.

Serve them hot, and enjoy your delicious harissa-infused fried potatoes!

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
3. Add the potatoes and fry until golden brown.
4. Toss the cooked potatoes with harissa paste and salt.
5. Serve hot.