Some ingredients whisper; harissa sings. This North African chilli paste is spicy, smoky, a little mysterious, and totally essential once you know what it can do. 

Whether you’re new to harissa or already sneaking it into every dish, we’re here to show you how to make your own punchy paste using our Spicewalla Harissa spice blend — plus all the delicious ways to use it morning, noon, and night.

A Little Heat with a Lot of History

Harissa isn’t just any old chilli paste — it’s a pillar of North African cooking.

Traditionally made by grinding sun-dried chilles with garlic, olive oil, and spices like caraway and coriander, harissa is bold, deeply fragrant, and endlessly versatile.

Each region (and household!) has its own spin...

• Tunisian harissa tends to be the spiciest, often made with smoky dried chiles and a touch of preserved lemon.
• Moroccan harissa leans slightly milder, with warm spices like cinnamon or rose petals in the mix.
• In Algeria, it’s not unusual to see harissa stirred into stews, couscous, and soups as a slow-building background note.

Our version celebrates the classic North African foundation, while letting those beautiful Guajillo chilles shine. It’s not a replica — it’s our flavour-forward take made for modern kitchens, no matter your spice skill level.

Harissa Paste: Your New BFF in the Kitchen

Harissa is traditionally made into a paste with oil and garlic, and the good news is: if you’ve got our harissa spice blend, you’re halfway there! 

Here’s how to turn that dry blend into a punchy paste you can keep on hand for easy flavour upgrades all week long.

Easy DIY Harissa Paste (using Spicewalla’s Harissa spice blend) 🌶

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Spicewalla Harissa blend (or rose harissa)
• 1–2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional but adds richness)
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• Salt to taste
  

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, mix the Spicewalla Harissa blend, garlic, and tomato paste.
2. Stir in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Add more oil for a looser consistency.
3. Finish with lemon juice or vinegar and a pinch of salt.
4. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week (it’ll taste even better after a day as the flavours meld).

PRO TIP: Feelin’ bougie? Stir in a little honey for a sweet-spicy glaze, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chilli flakes for extra heat. You can even blend in roasted red peppers to make a smoother, more traditional-style harissa paste!

Perfect Pairings For Your DIY Paste

We love harissa’s spicy, earthy depth because it’s basically a flavour amplifier. It doesn’t just sit on top of a dish — it melds, it sings, it high-fives every other ingredient. 

Here’s what harissa loves to hang out with:

Proteins

Chicken: Whether roasted, grilled, or stewed, harissa + chicken is always a win.

Seafood: Especially shrimp, cod, and salmon — harissa adds smoky depth without overpowering delicate flavours.

Lamb: A North African classic. Rub harissa on lamb chops or stir into a braise.

Eggs: Already said it, but worth repeating. Harissa + eggs = a breakfast glow-up.

Veggies

Cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes — roasted or grilled with harissa are next level.

Greens: Stir harissa into sautéed kale or collards for a fiery twist.

Tomatoes: Add harissa to tomato sauces or soups to bring a subtle smokiness.

Dairy

Greek yogurt, labneh, feta, and goat cheese all balance out the spice beautifully.

Try a swirl of harissa into whipped feta and prepare to impress literally everyone.

Grains + Legumes

Couscous, quinoa, lentils, rice — harissa loves them all. Even better with a drizzle of lemony olive oil and some fresh herbs.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Think of harissa as your flavour passport — one spoonful, endless possibilities. 

Whether you’re meal-prepping, weeknight cooking, or brunching with friends, here’s how to build a delicious meal around your harissa paste:

1. Quick & Easy Weeknight Bowl

• Base: Rice, quinoa, or couscous
• Protein: Harissa-roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken
• Veggies: Roasted cauliflower, cucumber ribbons
• Sauce: Harissa yogurt drizzle
• Toppings: Pickled red onions, herbs, toasted nuts

2. Brunch With a Kick

• Main: Shakshuka-style eggs simmered in harissa tomato sauce
• Sides: Crusty bread, herby labneh with harissa swirl, olives
• Bonus: Bloody Mary with a harissa-salt rim — you’re welcome

3. Dinner Party Showstopper

• Starter: Whipped feta with harissa drizzle + warm pita
• Main: Harissa-marinated lamb or salmon
• Side: Citrus-fennel salad & harissa-spiked couscous
• Dessert: Something cool and creamy (hello, rosewater panna cotta)

4. Vegan Vibes

• Base: Farro or lentils
• Protein: Harissa-roasted tofu
• Veggies: Zucchini, eggplant, roasted peppers
• Sauce: Tahini + lemon + a tiny swirl of harissa paste
• Top it off: Pomegranate seeds and mint

From Our Kitchen to Yours - 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Homemade Harissa Paste

Already obsessed? Same.

Once you’ve got a jar of this magic in the fridge, the real fun begins. Harissa isn’t just for the obvious savory dishes — it’s the multitasker your kitchen didn’t know it needed. 

Here are a few expected, unexpected, and totally delicious ways to work it into your daily cooking.

1. Roasted Veggies

Toss carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes in olive oil and a spoonful of harissa paste. Roast at 425°F until caramelized and tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and some yogurt drizzle.

Check out our Harissa Honey Sweet Potatoes & you’ll see why it’s one of our most popular recipes! 

2. Yogurt Sauce

Mix a teaspoon of harissa paste into Greek yogurt with a little lemon juice. Boom! You’ve got an instant dip, sandwich spread, or grilled meat topper.

3. Harissa Butter or Oil for Grains

Melt a tablespoon of harissa paste into butter or olive oil and stir it into couscous, rice, or quinoa for a fast, flavourful side.

4. Chicken Thighs

Rub harissa paste all over chicken thighs with a little extra olive oil and marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight). Roast or grill until crispy and cooked through.

5. Harissa + Eggs = Heaven

Dollop a bit of harissa into a skillet before adding eggs — scrambled, fried, or baked into shakshuka-style tomato sauce.

6. Grilled Cheese

Mix a little harissa paste with softened butter and slather it on the outside of your bread before grilling. Inside? Go for melty mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even a swipe of fig jam for sweet-heat magic.

7. Hummus

Stir a spoonful into store-bought or homemade hummus. Top with olive oil and toasted pine nuts and pretend you bought it from a trendy café.

8. Vinaigrette

Whisk harissa paste with olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of honey or maple syrup for a fiery salad dressing. Drizzle over greens, grain bowls, or even roasted beets.

9. Harissa Pizza Drizzle

Take your Friday night pizza game up a notch. After baking, swirl a little harissa paste mixed with olive oil over the top — works especially well on pies with feta, sausage, or roasted veggies.

10. Shrimp Skewers

Toss shrimp with harissa paste, lemon zest, and olive oil. Skewer, grill, and finish with fresh herbs. Serve over couscous or tuck into pita with tzatziki.

Harissa Hits Only 🎯

Show us what you’re cookin’ up! Whether you’re smearing harissa on toast or slow-roasting a whole chicken with it (pro move), share it with us. Tag your creations on IG with @spicewalla and use #SpicewallaDIYHarissaPaste for a chance to be featured!

Got a killer use for harissa we haven’t tried yet? Drop it in the comments — or let us know in our IG DMs. We’re always down to talk spice.