Harissa

Harissa is a spicy North African condiment.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 1 CUP

Ingredients

• 5  dried  hot new mexico chilies (You can use California green chiles or ancho chiles)
• 1  cup hot water
• 1  tablespoon flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄8 teaspoon caraway seed, crushed
• 1⁄2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2  tablespoons no-added-salt tomato paste
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Using rubber gloves, remove and discard stems and seeds from chile peppers.
2. Wash chiles in cold water; drain.
3. Tear chiles into strips; place in a small bowl.
4. Add hot water; let stand 20 minutes.
5. Pour chile mixture into container of an electric blender; cover and process until smoooth, stopping once to scrape down sides.
6. Set mixture aside.
7. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
8. Cook onion and garlic in oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
9. Add flour mixture; stir well.
10. Mixture will be dry.
11. Cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
12. Gradually add chile mixture; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
13. Stir in tomato paste and salt.
14. Let cool slightly.
15. Pour mixture into container of electric blender; cover and process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down the sides.
16. Stir in lime juice.
17. Store in refrigerator.