Harissa Substitute

Harissa paste is a fragrant and spicy paste made from chilies and originates from North Africa. The Spice House’s Harissa paste comes from the Mahjoub family estate in Tebourba, Tunisia where the local cuisine traditions have been passed down for generations, giving you an authentic North African taste.

Substitutes for Harissa

Harissa paste can be used as a spicy condiment on bread and sandwiches and it also goes perfectly with braised beef and preserved lemon and this Moroccan carrot salad with harissa vinaigrette. Harissa paste can also be used on grilled honey chicken wings for an extra kick of flavor. Harissa paste is known for its heat and fiery flavor. To get the same impact without Harissa itself, you can use one of the following substitutes.

• Merguez North African Seasoning
• Ground Red New Mexico Chilies + Caraway Seeds
• Berbere
• Chile paste
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Hot sauce, such as Sriracha

Common Harissa Paste Substitution Questions

Where to Buy Harissa Paste

To achieve the flavors of Harissa without having to make the paste, try our Merguez North African Seasoning. For a shortcut to homemade Harissa paste, use this spice blend along with our quick recipe for Harissa spread. 

If you'd like to go all-out with a more complex recipe, try this: 

Harissa Recipe

To make harissa paste at home you’ll need:

• 7 Dried New Mexico Chiles, Guajillo Chiles, or a combination of any other chilies, like Chiles de Arbol,  Chipotle Chilies, or Ancho Chiles
• 1 jar roasted red peppers drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

If you’re using dehydrated chiles, you’ll have to soak them in hot water for 30 minutes until they’re re-hydrated. Once the chilies are rehydrated, combine all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides and adding olive oil as necessary to create a smooth paste. 

Top with olive oil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What Is Harissa Paste Made Of?

Harissa paste is composed mostly of chilies and a blend of spices including caraway seeds, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Harissa also usually has lemon juice and olive oil to finish it off.