*DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS.
This homemade sriracha harissa is such a great little sauce to be able to whip out of the fridge. It really helps to elevate even the simplest of everyday meals!
Cooking for my wife
When I started dating my wife, I cooked for her about 4 times a week and for nearly 6 months I didn’t cook her the same thing twice. I was so proud of myself because of the delight it brought her, but also excited everyday while walking to work thinking of new ideas & creations. Off I would skip like a bloody ballerina to the local shops and there I would be fingering the vegetables (easy on now, not in that way!) and sniffing the herbs. I was in beast mode in the kitchen. The honeymoon soon ended and it’s been spag bol ever since!! Well, not quite that bad, but shortly after we moved to NYC the 70+ hr weeks with only 1 day off together. Life turned into too much takeaways, eating out and the odd very average homecooked meal.
Don’t get me wrong, during the time in NYC I was fortunate enough to manage a Michelin starred restaurant. This hepled us being able to dine in multiple Michelin restaurants along with the amazing little holes in the wall. Truthfully though, a part of me was missing. Since as long as I can remember I have been cooking. It has always brought me such pleasure and relaxation. Now that we have a toddler and don’t have the opportunity to get out as much. It certainly makes me try even harder than when we first met to produce fun and tasty meals for my wife and I. That is when I ain’t visiting every playground in Brisbane.
Blogging
When I started this food blog one of my key goals was to share tips with homecooks to allow them to elevate their everyday meals. But also to help them challenge themselves (in a good way) and take things up a notch in the kitchen. So often when we cook we are afraid to experiment and try new things. I have to say since moving to Brisbane, Australia my repertoire of dishes has HUGELY increased.
Toddlering & Exhaustion
For those of you with kids and those of you who work WAY too much you will all understand the difficulty in finding the energy to cook. After doing multiple loads of washing, hoovering the same room 4 times and spending 30 minutes before you leave the house getting everything ready to soon find out you forgot the most important thing. Your sanity!! So on the days that this is me, I find solitude in knowing that I have a well stocked larder and some great basic sauces in the fridge. These will all help me turn the most basic bitch of a meal into something semi restaurant quality – I hope!
Becoming a “chef”
Just throw a Jackson Pollock splash on the plate and hey presto, you’re a chef! Right? This homemade harissa is certainly one of those sauces I always have hidden in the fridge. It’s killer with most grilled meat and veg. Anything from some chicken, pork chops, salmon or even just a smear on a sandwich when all that matters is wine and the food is purely an afterthought. Check out my lamb burger recipe HERE for an example of where I have used my homemade harissa.
From start to finish in about 20 – 30 mins it’s super simple & packed with flavour. Lets see some creations that you guys put together with it. Don’t forget to tag me @another_food_blogger or pin me on pinterest for the chance to win……….. well, nothing but a smile on AnotherFoodBlogger’s face!
Ingredients
- 3 red peppers charred, peeled & deseeded
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1.5 tbls crushed garlic
- 3 tbls sriracha
- 3 tbls olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Char the peppers over gas hob until black & charred. Once roasted, place in large mixing bowl and cover immediately with clingwrap for 15 minutes to allow them to sweat.
- Peel charred skin from peppers and deseed *see tip*
- Roughly chop peppers and place in food processor.
- Place remaining ingredients into food processor and blitz until a smooth paste.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
Essential Tools
- tongs
- gas cooker *see tip*
- measuring spoons
- large mixing bowl
- food processor
Tips/Tricks
- if you don't have a gas cooker at home you can use a bbq or blowtorch instead
- it's easier to peel the charred skin under running water
- depending upon your spice tolerance levels, it may be best to start with 1 tbsp of sriracha and add to taste
We enjoy trying new recipes in our home! Previously time in the kitchen was tight as we had two active toddlers to handle. Now that they are a little bigger my husband and I manage to get some time for cooking. It is the first time I have heard of this type of sause. Looks quite tasty!
Thanks!! I know only too well the difficulty of getting things done with toddlers. Glad you have a little more time now. I hope you enjoy making my harissa
The flavour of the roasted pepper is so delicious in this harissa.
A wonderful condiment with many uses.
Sure is!! Send me some pics when you make it 😉😉
Looks so yummy AND looks whole 30 approved! I will be trying this next week for sure. I can’t wait to spice up my menu!
Thanks Megan!! Please send me some pics when you make it. Would love to see what you do with it. Happy cooking
Wow! This looks delicious. I love a good sauce to add to everyday meals and this red-pepper looks delicious.
Thanks Nadia!! I make this sauce so regularly as we all love it too
I had never heard of the harissa, I did not even know what it was … but it’s definitely something I’d like to try!
It’s so good. Nice and spicy and simple to make
Your wife is a lucky woman. I love a man who cooks. My husband proposed to me while cooking dinner. The ring was in an empty pot!
Cute!! She maybe lucky because I cook but she works extremely hard to provide for us so it’s not just her that is lucky!!
I had harissa a few years ago! The best thing i’ve had in my life, was sooo good. I will def try to make this one, thanks a lot.
Chad
http://www.mosaicslab.com
My pleasure – PLEASE send me pics and let me know how you get on
I’ve always wanted to make Harissa at home- Thanks for sharing this recipe!
My pleasure – it’s super easy and tasty too
I started cooking for my husband. Before our wedding, I didn’t even know how to make a perfect cup of tea. I’m definitely going to try this recipe. Let me get some Red bell peppers today. 🙂
Awesome!!! Lemme know how u get on and send me some pics
I’ve been really into trying new sauce or toppings recipes. I find that having these types of items in my repertoire can help dress up even the simplest of recipes.
You ain’t wrong Cindy!! I hope you enjoy this one
The picture of the dish “Roasted red pepper & sriracha harissa” looks so good I guess how tasty it would be. Gonna try today!
Nice!! Thanks so much
I’ve never heard of harissa. I loved reading your story and I always enjoy looking at your food creation.
Thanks Brittany. Feel free to reach out anytime you want or need help with a recipe
Yum!! What an absolutely delicious and simple recipe!! Love it!
You know it!! It’s so good 😉
This is looking something delicious to try. I heard about Harissa but never knew about its recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Well, I for one would like to kick things up a notch in the kitchen. I appreciate your help in being able to do so!
Do it!! Don’t be afraid to experiment and feel free to hit me up anytime if you have any Q’s
Looks like this recipe is really good! I’d love to try, I bet my family would enjoy this!
Oh, that looks so delicious, I need to go and make myself some right about now!
Get on it mate! It’s SO good
This looks delicious and I’ll definitely try this. Trying new recipes always makes me happy. Thanks for sharing.