Are you a fan of spicy food but having trouble finding harissa paste at your local grocery store?
Or maybe you’ve run out of it and need a substitute for your recipe?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore the best harissa paste substitutes that you can use in your cooking.
From chili powder to tomato paste, we’ve got you covered with a range of options to suit your taste preferences.
So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect harissa paste substitute for your next culinary adventure!
What Is Harissa Paste Substitute?
Harissa paste is a North African red chili paste that adds a fiery kick to any dish. However, it can be difficult to find in some grocery stores or you may simply run out of it. That’s where harissa paste substitutes come in handy.
There are several alternatives to harissa paste that you can use in your cooking. One option is to use chili powder, which can be found in most grocery stores. While it may not be as spicy as harissa paste, you can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Another substitute is smoked paprika, which has a smoky flavor similar to some harissa powders. However, you may need to add cayenne or red pepper flakes to increase the spice level.
Sumac is a citrusy spice that can also be used as a harissa paste substitute. However, it’s recommended to mix it with chili powder or smoked paprika to balance out the citrus flavor.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy substitute, sambal oelek is a great option. It’s another chili paste that adds heat and flavor to dishes.
Tomato paste is also a good substitute for those who want a tangy, acidic flavor without the spiciness of harissa paste. Just add spices and olive oil to mimic the consistency and taste of harissa paste.
What Is Harissa Paste?
Harissa paste is a condiment that originated in Tunisia and is commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from a blend of dry red chilies, garlic, citrus, extra virgin olive oil, and warm spices such as cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. The paste has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and smoky with a little bit of tanginess. Homemade harissa paste can be made by blending the ingredients together into a thick paste. However, there are also many store-bought versions available in jars or tins. Harissa paste can be used to add heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes including meat, vegetables, couscous, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, and even as a dip for bread. It is considered to be a versatile condiment that can be used in place of ketchup or sriracha. While harissa paste can be difficult to find in some grocery stores, there are several substitutes available such as chili powder, smoked paprika, sumac, sambal oelek, and even tomato paste.
Why Use Harissa Paste Substitute?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a harissa paste substitute in your cooking. Firstly, harissa paste can be difficult to find in some grocery stores, especially if you live in an area where North African cuisine is not common. Using a substitute can ensure that you still get the desired flavor and spice level in your dish.
Secondly, using a substitute can be more cost-effective than buying harissa paste. Some substitutes, like chili powder or smoked paprika, may already be in your pantry, saving you money on buying a new ingredient.
Lastly, using a substitute can allow for more flexibility and customization in your cooking. Depending on the substitute you choose, you can adjust the heat level and flavor profile to suit your taste preferences and the other ingredients in your dish.
Chili Powder As A Harissa Paste Substitute
Chili powder is a widely available spice blend from the Americas that combines dried chilies and cumin, among other spices. Some of these spices are also found in harissa paste, making chili powder a great substitute for milder harissa blends. To increase the heat level, you can add a little cayenne or red pepper flakes to your chili powder.
To use chili powder as a substitute for harissa paste, simply use the same amount of chili powder that your recipe requires for harissa paste. You can adjust the amount to taste if necessary. While chili powder may not have the exact same flavor profile as harissa paste, it can still add a spicy kick to your dishes and work well in most recipes that call for harissa paste.
Tomato Paste As A Harissa Paste Substitute
Tomato paste is an excellent substitute for harissa paste for those who want a tangy, acidic flavor without the spiciness present in harissa. This swap is easily found in most grocery stores and pantries, making it a convenient option. Tomato paste also provides a similar bright red color in recipes like harissa paste.
To use tomato paste as a harissa paste substitute, you will need to alter it to mimic the flavor of harissa. Adding spices and olive oil to the tomato paste will help create a similar consistency and taste. It’s recommended to use half the required amount of harissa paste and add more if needed.
Pureed vegetables are another good substitution option for tomato paste and may even give you a bolder flavor. It’s easy to simmer vegetable puree down and condense it to a thicker agent for your soup or stew.
Other options for harissa paste substitutes include olive tapenade, pureed roasted red peppers, miso paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, anchovy paste, cream cheese, melted cheese, cornstarch, and roux. However, keep in mind that these options will provide different flavors and consistencies compared to harissa paste.
Paprika As A Harissa Paste Substitute
Paprika can also be used as a substitute for harissa paste, although it may not provide the same level of heat and complexity of flavor. Hot paprika can work well as a substitute, but sweet paprika may be too mild. Smoked paprika is another option that can add a smoky flavor similar to some harissa powders, but it may still need additional heat from cayenne or red pepper flakes.
To make a paprika-based harissa paste substitute, you can mix together paprika (either hot or smoked), cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and red pepper flakes to taste. This will help recreate some of the flavors found in harissa paste. However, keep in mind that this substitute may not provide the same level of complexity and depth as harissa paste.
When using paprika as a substitute for harissa paste, it’s important to remember that the heat level and flavor profile may vary depending on the type of paprika used. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the right balance for your dish.
Red Pepper Flakes As A Harissa Paste Substitute
Red pepper flakes are another great substitute for harissa paste. They are readily available in most grocery stores and can be added to dishes to give them a spicy kick. To use red pepper flakes as a harissa paste substitute, simply add them to your recipe in place of the paste.
If you want to increase the heat level, you can add more red pepper flakes or combine them with chili powder. Keep in mind that red pepper flakes are not as complex in flavor as harissa paste, so you may want to add other spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds to enhance the taste.
When using red pepper flakes as a substitute for harissa paste, it’s important to remember that the texture will be different. Harissa paste has a thick, smooth consistency while red pepper flakes are dry and flaky. To mimic the texture of harissa paste, you can mix the red pepper flakes with olive oil or tomato paste.
