Chequers Inn

Harissa

Ingredients

2 red bell peppers charred and skins removed
5 peeled garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 fresh red chillies
1 fresh red bird’s eye chillis
6 tablespoons olive oil salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice

for the spice mix
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes

Method

Combine the spices in a small frying pan set over medium heat.
Allow the spices to toast for a few minutes, giving the pan a shake regularly to prevent the spices from burning.
Grind with a pestle and mortar until fine.
Combine the peppers, chillies, garlic, tomato paste, spices, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and blend.