Preserve the bold flavors of your favorite spices with this homemade harissa. Perfect for adding a spicy kick to soups, stews, and salads all year round.
Remove stems and seeds from dried peppers. Submerge them in warm water using a colander or a bowl to keep them underwater. Let them soak for 20 minutes, then chop into small pieces.
Prepare Tomatoes
Peel and seed the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water, then transferring to ice water. Cut and remove stems and seeds, retaining only the tomato flesh.
Chop Your Vegetables
Peel and chop onions and bell peppers. Ensure vegetables are ripe and free from bruises. Finely chop the garlic cloves.
Spice and Cook Your Sauce
Combine tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, cider vinegar, cumin, and coriander. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables soften.
Prepare Jars and Lids
Wash jars with hot, soapy water and inspect for any cracks. Place jars in the water canner and bring to a simmer. Simultaneously, soften lids by placing them in boiling water.
Prepare a Paste
Drain the soaked peppers, reserving 3 tablespoons of soaking liquid. In a food processor, combine peppers, soaking liquid, garlic, and salt. Pulse until a paste forms.
Combine Sauce and Paste
Stir the pepper paste into the cooked tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to blend the flavors.
Fill Your Jars
Using a jar lifter, remove jars from the canner and place them on a cutting board. Fill each jar with the hot harissa mixture using a canning funnel, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the edges.
Apply Lids and Rings
Wipe jar rims with a damp paper towel. Place lids on jars and secure with rings, tightening until finger-tight.
Process Your Jars
Place filled jars back into the water bath canner, ensuring they are submerged by at least an inch of boiling water. Process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
Let Jars Cool
Turn off the heat and let jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Remove jars using a jar lifter and place them on a cutting board to cool completely for 24 hours.
Test Your Lids
After 24 hours, press the center of each lid. It should not move or pop back. Label jars with the date and store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any jars that haven’t sealed properly and consume within a few days.
Notes
Pepper Varieties: Adjust the heat by selecting different types of dried peppers. Remove more seeds for a milder harissa.
Tomato Choice: Use meaty tomatoes like Roma or plum for the best texture and flavor.
Spice Adjustments: Customize your harissa by adding additional spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Sugar Level: Modify the sugar to balance the acidity and heat to your preference.
Sterilization: Properly sterilizing jars and lids is essential to prevent contamination and ensure longevity.
Processing Time: Adjust processing time according to your altitude to ensure safe sealing.
Storage: Properly sealed jars can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Always label jars with the date for reference.