Best Moroccan Harissa Recipes

MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE WITH PRESERVED LEMONS, FENNEL, OLIVES, AND HARISSA

Steps:

• Mix paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper together in a small bowl.
• Pat chicken thighs dry and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle paprika mixture over chicken thighs; massage the bag to coat chicken evenly.
• Heat oil in a tagine over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until browned, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Cook and stir fennel, onion, and garlic in the tagine. Stir in half of the garbanzo beans, chicken broth, 1/2 cup green olives, harissa, 1/2 of the preserved lemon, and ginger.
• Lay chicken over garbanzo bean mixture; sprinkle remaining olives on top. Scatter cherry tomatoes on top. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Combine remaining garbanzo beans with 2 tablespoons of broth from the tagine in a food processor or blender; blend into a thin paste.
• Transfer chicken to a serving dish. Stir garbanzo bean paste into the tagine. Simmer until flavors combine, about 5 minutes. Spoon broth mixture over chicken.
• Garnish with remaining preserved lemon and toasted almonds.

GRILLED MOROCCAN SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH CREAMY HARISSA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt and olive oil. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• Prepare a grill for high heat cooking. Place the tenderloins on the grill and cook until browned and nicely marked, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the tenderloins and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of each registers between 155 degrees F and 165 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve hot or at room temperature with Creamy Harissa Sauce.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, oil, harissa and garlic until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

MOROCCAN SPICED LAMB WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the bread into 1/4-inch thick slices. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and lightly grill on 1 side. Cool and store in a sealed container until ready to use.
• Combine the harissa, sour cream, half of the lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice in a small bowl.
• If more lemon is necessary, add the rest of the zest and or juice. Put into a squeeze bottle for easy assembly.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat lamb racks generously with the spice mix, salt, and pepper. Be cautious with the pepper since there is pepper in the spice mix. There should be an even coat of spices around the lamb. Heat a couple tablespoons olive oil in a very large skillet over high heat. When oil is hot, add lamb racks and sear over high heat to form a crust on both sides. Remove from the pan, transfer to a baking dish and finish in the oven for 8 minutes or until medium rare. Remove from the oven and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Assembly: Slice the lamb into 1/4-inch thick slices as close to the bone as possible. Place a piece of lamb on top of a baguette slice. Add a drop of the harissa (remember it is spicy), and then finish with a thin julienne of dried apricot and a sprig of chervil. For additional seasoning, add a sprinkle of salt and a drop of extra-virgin olive oil.
• In a shallow saute pan, toast all of the spices over a medium heat. Allow to cool and then grind in a coffee grinder to a fine powder.

CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON ON LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA, SERVED WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED NAN BREAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Pre-heat grill.
• Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste.
• Toast the above in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder.
• Coat the salmon.
• Finish the Sauce:
• Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets.
• Heat saute pan, add stock and lentils and simmer until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in butter, season and serve.
• Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast.
• Make the tzatziki: 32 ounces yogurt 2 English cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste
• Place yogurt in cheese cloth, tie the end closed with kitchen string and hang it on a rack, above a bowl, in the refrigerator. Allow to drain for two hours or overnight. Discard the liquid in the bowl, and blend the yogurt with the remaining ingredients.
• Combine oil, garlic and salt. Using a pastry brush, coat the bread lightly with the oil and place on grill. Cook to mark bread, turn to mark other side and serve.
• To serve:
• Mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce. Present with side dishes of tzatziki and nan bread.

MOROCCAN HARISSA CHICKEN WINGS

Steps:

• Put one-third of the wings in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon baking powder and toss until evenly coated. Use tongs to spread the wings on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken wings and baking powder in two batches. Liberally sprinkle both sides of the wings with salt and pepper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Meanwhile, make the harissa: Tear open the chiles and discard the seeds. (You may leave the seeds in if you prefer a spicy harissa.) Tear the chiles into large pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Pour 4 cups boiling water over the chiles and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
• Put the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet and cook, swirling often, over medium heat, until the seeds are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spices to a blender, add the oil, garlic, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon kosher salt, then puree until smooth. Using tongs, add the chiles to the blender along with 1 cup of their soaking liquid (discard the rest) and puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes on high. Season the harissa with pepper and set aside while you finish the wings.
• Bake the wings, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes.
• For the salad: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from 1 orange, avoiding the white pith, and cut it into very thin strips; transfer to a medium bowl. Using a knife, remove the white pith from both oranges, then cut the fruit crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Add the orange rounds to the bowl along with the olives, mint and oil and toss to combine. Slice the radishes into thin wedges and toss with the orange mixture; let stand for 15 minutes.
• Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl and pour 1 1/2 cups of the harissa over, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the wings to a platter and serve with the orange, olive and radish salad on the side. Serve the remaining harissa on the side for dipping or reserve for another use.

LAMB PATTIES MOROCCAN STYLE WITH HARISSA SAUCE

Steps:

• Put the lamb in a mixing bowl and add all of the ingredients except the vegetable oil and harissa sauce. Blend the mixture thoroughly by hand.
• Shape the mixture into 8 equal-size patties similar to hamburgers.
• Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet large enough to hold all of the patties. Two pans may be necessary.
• Add the patties to the skillet. Cook them over medium-high heat about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on the degree of doneness desired. Drain on paper towels and serve with the harissa sauce on the side.

CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON FILLET ON MIXED LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Toast the above in a preheated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder. Keep in a glass jar, covered tightly. Makes enough for at least 12 7-ounce fillets. Will hold its flavor for 4 weeks. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste. Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast. To prepare the lentils: Use a blend of yellow and green lentils, and simply follow the preparation directions on the package. Prepare 3/4 to 1 cup of lentils per serving. To serve, mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce.

HARISSA - MOROCCAN HOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the chiles in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.
• Place over high heat and let the water come to a boil.
• Remove from heat and let sit for about an hour.
• Drain the chiles and place in a blender or food processor along with the salt and garlic.
• Blend the mixture and add the lemon juice, bit by bit, to keep the mixture moving. ( If the peppers don't seem to be blending, add additional lemon juice as needed.).
• Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, remove and place in a small glass jar.
• Stir in the cumin and smooth the mixture down.
• Pour enough olive oil over the "harissa" to completely cover the top.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Makes about 1/2 cup.

MOROCCAN HARISSA ROAST CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Tear open the New Mexico and guajillo chiles and discard the seeds and stems. (You may leave the seeds in if you prefer a spicy harissa.) Tear the chiles into large pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Pour 2 cups boiling water over the chiles and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
• Put the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet and cook, swirling often, over medium heat, until the seeds are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spices to a blender and add the oil, garlic, lemon juice and 2 teaspoons kosher salt, then puree until smooth. Using tongs, add the chiles to the blender along with 1/2 cup of their soaking liquid (discard the rest) and puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes on high. Season the harissa with pepper and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with 3/4 cup of the harissa until each floret is evenly coated. Spread the cauliflower onto a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with a little more vegetable oil. Roast, tossing halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the harissa has begun to caramelize, about 40 minutes.
• Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter and sprinkle with the cilantro. Serve with the remaining 1/4 cup harissa on the side for dipping.

MOROCCAN RED HARISSA CHICKEN

Steps:

• Char the bell and chile peppers under a hot broiler until the skins are evenly blackened. Place in a bowl and cover to cool to handle. Wipe the charred skins away with paper towels and seed the peppers. Reserve for later use.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the hot oil and brown on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and reduce the heat a bit. Add the garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon, ginger, onions, paprika, cumin and some salt and pepper, and cook to soften a bit, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vinegar.
• Place the peeled peppers in the bowl of a food processor with 1 cup of the stock, and process until pureed. Add the puree to the pan, thin with about 1/2 cup water and slide the chicken back into the pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and finish cooking the chicken through. Turn off heat and cover until you serve.
• To serve, heat the remaining 1 1/2 cups stock (or 1 cup stock and 1/2 cup water) and the butter to a boil with the rice. Bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer the rice for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff with fork.
• In shallow bowls, top the rice with the chicken in spicy sauce, garnish with scallions before serving.
• Get Rachael's shopping list for this episode's recipes here.

MOROCCAN TAGINE WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a large saucepan. Add the red and white onions, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and chile and cook gently for 10 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes. Add the apricots, raisins, olives, potato, and carrots. Continue cooking slowly for about 45 minutes, until the carrots are tender. Heat the remaining oil in a wok or skillet, add teh cabbage, and stir-fry until just starting to soften. Add to the saucepan, then add the cooked chickpeas and bring to a boil. Stir in the parsley and cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

MOROCCAN-STYLE VEGETABLE STEW WITH HARISSA YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• For yogurt sauce:
• Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.
• For vegetable stew:
• Bring 8 cups water to boil in heavy large saucepan. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Add carrots; cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using skimmer or large slotted spoon, transfer carrots to large bowl of ice water. Return water to boil. Add turnip; cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Using skimmer, transfer turnip to bowl with carrots. Reserve cooking liquid.
• Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add next 7 ingredients. Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper. Cook until onions are soft, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add wine; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour. Add carrots, turnip, beans, spinach, and 2 cups reserved cooking liquid. Bring to simmer; cook until vegetables are heated through, adding more cooking liquid for desired consistency. Season stew to taste with coarse salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Divide stew among bowls. Spoon dollop of yogurt sauce over and serve.
• A thick yogurt; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores (such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods markets) and Greek markets. If unavailable, place regular yogurt in cheesecloth-lined strainer set over large bowl. Cover and chill overnight to drain.
• ** A spicy North African red chile paste; available at some specialty foods stores and at Middle Eastern markets.

GABI'S HARISSA (MOROCCAN HOT SAUCE)

Steps:

• Stem and seed the bell peppers and the habaneros.
• Grill the bell peppers until well charred, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with foil and let them "sweat" for 15 minutes, then peel.
• Put the bell peppers flesh with everything else in the food processor, and process until smooth.
• Of course you can improvise: leave some seeds from the peppers, substitute tomatoes for one or all the bell peppers, using different chiles.

MOROCCAN HARISSA ROAST CHICKEN

Steps:

• Tear open the New Mexico and guajillo chiles and discard the seeds and stems. (You may leave the seeds in if you prefer a spicy harissa.) Tear the chiles into large pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Pour 2 cups boiling water over the chiles and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
• Put the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet and cook, swirling often, over medium heat, until the seeds are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spices to a blender and add the oil, garlic, lemon juice and 2 teaspoons kosher salt, then puree until smooth. Using tongs, add the chiles to the blender along with 1/2 cup of their soaking liquid (discard the rest) and puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes on high. Season the harissa with pepper and set aside.
• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, stir together 6 tablespoons butter with 1/4 cup of the harissa until smooth and well-combined; set aside. Place the chicken breast-side-up on a wire rack fitted into a rimmed baking sheet. Slide your forefinger gently under the skin of the chicken and loosen it from the breasts and thighs. Using a spoon, stuff the harissa butter underneath the skin of the breasts and thighs and press it so it spreads out evenly. Rub the exterior of the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the bird with the onion and celery and tie the legs together with butcher's twine.
• Roast the chicken for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 400 degrees F and continue to roast until the skin is crispy and golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh (avoiding bone) reads 160 degrees F, about 45 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and immediately brush all over with the remaining harissa. Set the chicken aside to rest for at least 10 minutes, then serve.

EASIEST MOROCCAN HARISSA OR HOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix all together and serve with couscous.
• Hot chilis can be added to taste if a spicier sauce is desired.

GRILLED HARISSA LAMB WITH YOGURT, MOROCCAN

Steps:

• First make the marinade:.
• In a spice grinder, crush the coriander and the cumin.
• In a small bowl, combine the harissa, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, coriander and cumin - into a thick paste.
• Season the lamb with salt and pepper and then smear both sides of the meat with the harissa marinade paste. Cover and marinate for an hour or two.
• While the lamb is marinating, make the yogurt sauce. Combine in a medium bowl, the yogurt, cucumber, mint, and the preserved lemon. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
• Before cooking, let the meat come back to room temperature. Cut the meat to fit easily onto the grill. Grill each piece of meat for five minutes per side until the lamb is charred with grill marks. Remove the meat to a plate to rest and continue with the other pieces of meat. The meat should still feel mostly raw at it's thickest point. The harder the meat is, the more it's cooked through.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the grilled lamb on a rimmed baking sheet covered in foil and place in the oven and roast until the lamb is medium rare. Check it after about 10 minutes, but it will probably take between 15 and 30 minutes. Remove the meat from the oven and let rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with yogurt sauce and a side dish of couscous.

MOROCCAN LAMB MEATBALLS WITH HARISSA & COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Heat a heavy-based pan over a low heat. Add the spices to the pan then toast for 2-3 mins until fragrant. Crush using a pestle and mortar. Set aside.
• Mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp water and the garlic and stir well. Add the lamb, lemon juice, crushed spices, egg most of the mint. Season well. Mix well then shape into 16 balls. Chill for a good 30 mins.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan. Fry the balls for 6-7 mins, turning now and then, until golden brown and cooked. Keep warm. Put the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, then rub in the butter and harissa. Pour over 400ml boiling water, cover and leave for 10 mins. Fluff up and season. Shred the remaining mint, then mix through. Serve with harissa and yogurt.

MOROCCAN HARISSA

Steps:

• Mince the chillies, roast capsicums, preserved lemon and garlic by hand or in a food processor.
• Mix with the coriander (cilantro), cumin and salt until well combined.
• Let the mixture stand for 1 hour, then transfer to a preserving jar and cover with oil. Store indefinitely in the refrigerator.

MOROCCAN HARISSA MAYONNAISE DIP

Steps:

• Simply mix the harissa and mayonnaise in a bowl.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve as a delicious dip with vegetables, bread sticks or pitta bread. Try it as a sandwich spread!

MOROCCAN PUMPKIN AND HARISSA STEW

Steps:

• heat the oil in a large pan. Fry onion and garlic bulb for 5 minutes.
• Add canned tomatoes, harissa, cinnamon and stock. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add potatoes and bring to boil, simmer for another 10 minutes.
• Add pumpkin and baby corn and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
• Add peas and cherry toms and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove the bulb and carefully remove the flesh and mash well. Add mash back into pan.
• Season if desired. Mix cornflour with 2 tbsp water and add to pan. Bring to boil and stir until thickened.
• Remove cinnamon and add the mint and coriander.
• Serve with cous cous or crusty bread.