What is Harissa Spice? North African Flavours.

North Africa has the best of two worlds; they have the deep roots of the African continent and the most stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea, which means fantastic seafood and produce.

Food in North Africa is not only vibrant, spicy and colourful, it’s also delicious, and a big part of it has to do with people’s masterful use of spices. They’ll craft complex spice blends on the spot!

At Spice Masters, we’ve selected the most exciting spices and combined them inspired by authentic harissa to give you the opportunity to cook with the comforting flavours of Africa.

This is all you need to know about harissa, the spicy and minty condiment that will open a world of possibilities for you in the kitchen.

The History of Harissa Spices

North African food has always been flavourful and hearty, but it wasn’t until hot peppers arrived at the continent that the first spice blends predating harissa came to be. The first hot peppers arrived in Europe thanks to the first travels to America, back to Columbus’s first trip to America in 1492. Other New World commodities, such as brown sugar, found their way into Europe as well.

It is believed hot peppers and other American ingredients arrived in North Africa between 1535 and 1574, with the Spanish occupation of the region. As part of this cultural exchange, hot peppers became chilli flakes and smoky paprika; they also met garlic, oregano and cumin seeds. The perfect ingredients for the unique Harissa spice blend were finally united.

The famous Maghrebian cuisine, the heart and soul of North African cooking, was forever changed in a good way, and spicy flavours became one of the most deep-rooted African cooking traditions.

Harissa is extensively used in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and even Israel. And although the spice blend was hard to get unless you visited North Africa, now you can enjoy it at home with our authentic, all-natural spice blend. Read on and discover all the uses for harissa. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to use. The best part? For harissa, a little goes a long way!

How to Use Harissa Spices

What does harissa taste like? Let’s just say it is warm and comforting, but also spicy. In fact, harissa is one of the hottest blends in our repertoire, but herbs, spices and sweetness beautifully balance the heat. Peppery and smoky and with garlicky undertones, harissa is just delicious, and it makes everything it touches irresistible.

Use harissa to flavour tomato sauces, liven up scrambled eggs, or give life to stews and soups. Season chicken, pork or beef with harissa for spectacular results and even veggies can benefit from such special treatment.

Harissa Spices, Explained

Harissa is a complex blend of herbs and spices, and each one plays a role in this orchestrated spice blend. These are the spices that make this beautiful North African spice blend.

1. Cumin

Used in traditional medicine and cooking all around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, cumin is a unique spice with a distinctive flavour and aroma reminiscent of sweet herbal and earthy notes.  We love what cumin does to our harissa blend.

2. Coriander

Native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, coriander has been a natural aroma enhancer for centuries, and it plays a critical role in harissa. It adds depth of flavour to the spice mix.

3. Smoked Paprika

Drying and smoking red bell peppers makes smoked paprika, and it’s an extraordinary all-natural colouring and flavouring for any spice blend.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a base flavour and a building block for some of the most exciting spice blends. Harissa would not have its round, comforting taste without this aromatic bulb.

5. Chilli Flakes

Chilli pepper flakes are more than a spicy element in harissa; they also add texture and colour to any recipe. Red chilli flakes are essential to any balanced spiced blend.

6. Chilli Powder

Chilli powder lifts harissa with pungent but addictive spiciness; the combination of chilli powder and chilli flakes gives flavour and texture to the blend.

7. Celery Salt

Celery salt is gentler than table salt, and it helps lift the flavours in the harissa spice blend. Celery has been cultivated and consumed around the Mediterranean Sea for millennia. Salt is a must in any balanced spice blend, it’s more than a spice; it’s a flavour enhancer.

8. Caraway Seed

Caraway seeds are an essential ingredient in Arab cuisines and are cherished in North Africa, especially Morocco. No harissa spice blend is complete without this ancient spice.

9. Oregano

Oregano is a Mediterranean herb with fresh, powdery flavours. It’s ubiquitous in North African cooking, as it contrasts with hot peppers and garlic. Dried oregano is pretty intense, and you can really taste it in the spice blend.

10. Mint

Mint has the unique property of taming the heat from chilli peppers; it refreshes the entire spice blend with outstanding results. Moroccan mint is one of the most prominent types of mint on the planet.

11. Parsley

Parsley is native to the Mediterranean Basin, and it has been available in Northern Africa for ages. The fragrant leaves are fresh and herbal and complement the more pungent condiments in harissa.

Harissa is a Thrilling Spice Blend

Spice Masters Harissa Spice Blend is an extraordinary addition to your spice cabinet. The rich spice releases the loveliest aromas as you cook them out.

The perfect dry rub, attractive addition to soups and stews, and your new secret ingredient for North African-inspired meals, there’s no doubt harissa will spice up your cooking. One resealable pouch of harissa will let you give life to five meals for 4-5 people. That’s a lot of flavourful food!

The best part about harissa is its versatility. There’s literally no type of food that can benefit from the spicy blend. If you’re into warm flavours and rich food, harissa is for you. Enjoy harissa and add some spiciness to your meals. There’s a reason harissa is one of the most popular spicy condiments on the planet — it’s addictive!