Harissa tomato sauce is a flavorful, spicy sauce made by combining roasted red peppers, harissa paste, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
The reason for making this sauce was to create a rich, bold addition to meals that adds depth and warmth. The key feature of this sauce is its balanced heat and smoky flavor, which makes it stand out from regular tomato sauces.
I will now walk through the preparation process step by step, showing how to make this vibrant and delicious harissa tomato sauce from start to finish.
Harissa Tomato Sauce
This harissa tomato sauce recipe blends smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors to create a delicious and versatile sauce.
Using simple ingredients like roasted red peppers, harissa paste, garlic, and spices, it’s easy to prepare and brings depth to any meal.
The sauce simmers gently to develop rich layers of flavor, making it great for adding a spicy touch to meats, vegetables, or grains. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy North African-inspired tastes at home.
Whether used as a marinade, dip, or cooking sauce, this harissa tomato sauce elevates everyday dishes with its bold and satisfying character.
How To Prepare Harissa Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: North African / Middle Eastern inspired
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium-sized saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped (either jarred or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Let’s take it step by step to make this Harissa Tomato Sauce perfectly. I’ll explain each part clearly and show you the essential ingredients and tools.
Even if you don’t have everything on hand, no problem just use what you have, and you’ll still end up with a delicious, spicy sauce that adds great flavor to any meal.
How To Make Harissa Tomato Sauce
1. Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell its aroma, but be careful not to let it brown.
2. Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, harissa paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to blend everything together.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give the sauce a final stir, remove from heat, and serve warm. Alternatively, let it cool and store it in the fridge for later use.
What Does Harissa Taste Like?
Harissa offers a complex and vibrant taste that combines spicy heat with smoky undertones. The chili peppers provide a fiery kick, while ingredients like garlic, cumin, and coriander add earthy and warm flavors.
Roasted red peppers contribute a subtle sweetness that balances the heat, making the sauce flavorful but not overpowering.
There is also a mild tanginess that brightens the overall profile. Together, these elements create a rich, bold, and well-rounded taste that enhances a wide variety of dishes.
My Tips For Making Harissa Tomato Sauce
➢ If you prefer a milder sauce, use less harissa and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. For more heat, increase the harissa or add some fresh chili.
➢ Before adding the garlic paste, infuse the olive oil with a few whole spices like cumin seeds or cinnamon sticks for added complexity.
➢ A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley at the end brightens the flavor, giving your sauce a fresh, herbaceous finish.
➢ Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of demerara sugar for a unique twist on the sauce’s sweetness.
➢ If you have extra time, roasting the tomatoes before using them in the sauce will bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Our Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
Our favorite ways to serve up Harissa Tomato Sauce are endless! It’s perfect as a bold topping for grilled meats like chicken or lamb, adding a spicy kick to roasted vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
It also works wonders as a pasta sauce, bringing a zesty, flavorful twist to spaghetti or penne. For a lighter option, serve it as a dip alongside crusty bread or pita, or drizzle it over a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies.
How To Make Harissa Tomato Sauce More Tastier?
To make your harissa tomato sauce even tastier, here are five ideas to elevate the flavors:
✔ Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil, oregano, or cilantro at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor that complements the spiciness of the harissa.
✔ Roast the Tomatoes: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, roast the chopped tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a rich depth.
✔ Incorporate a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar: A small drizzle of balsamic vinegar can balance the sauce’s flavors with a bit of sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall profile.
✔ Mix in a Creamy Element: Add a spoonful of heavy cream, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk for a creamy texture that softens the heat while adding richness to the sauce.
✔ Top with Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle roasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top of the sauce before serving for added crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
Is Harissa Healthy?
Harissa is generally considered healthy, as it’s made from natural ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil, which provide antioxidants and vitamins.
The heat from the chili peppers can boost metabolism, while the spices offer anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s important to watch the portion size since it can be high in sodium depending on the brand.
Does Harissa Go With Tomatoes?
Yes, harissa pairs wonderfully with tomatoes! The spicy, smoky flavor of harissa complements the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes, creating a rich, balanced sauce.
It enhances tomato-based dishes like stews, pasta, and soups with an extra layer of depth and heat.
Is Harissa Like Tomato Paste?
No, harissa is not like tomato paste. While both are used in sauces, harissa is a spice-heavy chili paste with bold heat, smokiness, and aromatic flavors from various spices.
Tomato paste, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of tomatoes with a rich, slightly tangy taste and no heat. Harissa adds spice, while tomato paste provides a deep, umami tomato base.
Proper Storage Of Harissa Tomato Sauce
To store Harissa Tomato Sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain freshness and avoid contamination.
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Conclusion
This harissa tomato sauce turns out rich, flavorful, and wonderfully spicy a perfect way to add depth to your meals. I hope you try making it soon and enjoy the bold, smoky taste it brings.
Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how much you liked the flavor and heat level. It’s a great sauce to have on hand, ready to brighten up everything from pasta to grilled dishes with its delicious, vibrant punch.
Harissa Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 roasted red bell peppers chopped (either jarred or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste adjust based on your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can 14 oz / 400g crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell its aroma, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, harissa paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to blend everything together.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give the sauce a final stir, remove from heat, and serve warm. Alternatively, let it cool and store it in the fridge for later use.