Harissa Tomato Sauce
Harissa tomato sauce is a bold, flavorful blend of spicy harissa paste, roasted red peppers, garlic, and warm spices simmered with tomatoes. It adds heat, smokiness, and depth to a variety of dishes. Perfect as a sauce, marinade, or dip, it brings North African-inspired flavor to everyday meals with a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
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.