Harissa Spice Substitute: Best Flavor Alternatives

Originally posted on December 13, 2023 @ 7:07 pm

Harissa spice is known for its complex flavor and heat, but it may not always be readily available. Whether you’re looking for a non-spicy alternative or simply can’t find harissa, there are plenty of options to substitute for it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best harissa spice substitutes, ranging from homemade spice blends to other exotic spice mixes. Discover flavorful alternatives that will enhance your dishes with similar heat and complexity.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Harissa spice is a versatile ingredient that adds complex flavor and heat to dishes.
If harissa spice is unavailable, you can create a homemade harissa spice blend or use alternative spice mixes.
Some popular substitutes for harissa spice include dried chili pepper with cumin, smoked paprika and cumin, berbere spice blend, and ras el hanout.

When replacing harissa paste, consider using sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, peri peri sauce, gochujang, or bomba calabrese.
Experiment with different substitutes to find the perfect flavor combination for your recipes.

What is Harissa Powder?

Harissa powder is a dry harissa spice blend made from spices and dried chiles. It shares a flavor profile similar to harissa paste, containing ingredients like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds.

Harissa powder can be used as a seasoning by sprinkling it over meals or mixed with water and olive oil to create a harissa paste. It adds fiery flavor to a variety of dishes, from eggs to soups and stews.

Homemade Harissa Spice Blend (The Best Harissa Powder Substitute)

Making a homemade harissa spice blend is an excellent substitute for store-bought harissa powder. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful blend that adds a fiery kick to your dishes. Here’s how you can make your own harissa spice blend:

Gather your ingredients: You’ll need a spice grinder, dried chiles, whole cumin, caraway, and coriander seeds, paprika, and garlic powder.
Toast the peppers and spices: Toast the dried chiles, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.

Grind into a powder: Transfer the toasted peppers and spices to a spice grinder and blend until you have a fine powder.
Add paprika and garlic powder: Mix in paprika and garlic powder to enhance the flavors of the blend.
Store in an airtight container: Transfer the homemade harissa spice blend to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place.

Your homemade harissa spice blend is now ready to use as a substitute for harissa powder in your favorite recipes. Whether you’re adding it to marinades, rubs, or sauces, this DIY harissa spice will bring a burst of flavor and heat to your dishes.

Dried Chilli Pepper with Cumin: A Great Harissa Powder Alternative

If you’re looking for a non-spicy alternative to harissa powder, combining dried chilli pepper with cumin is a great option. This substitute allows you to enjoy the flavor of harissa without the heat. To create this substitute, simply mix a tablespoon of chilli powder with a teaspoon of ground cumin and a pinch of salt.

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli powder according to your preference. You can also taste the mixture to ensure it has the desired flavor profile. This alternative works well when added to soups, stews, and other dishes where you want the essence of harissa but with a milder kick.

Dried Chilli Pepper with Cumin Substitute

Dried Chilli Pepper with Cumin Substitute	Ingredients
Mix the following ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of chilli powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– A pinch of salt

Use this blend as a direct replacement for harissa powder in your recipes to add depth and flavor to your dishes. Enjoy the unique taste of dried chilli pepper with cumin as you explore new culinary adventures.

Smoked Paprika and Cumin (Non-Spicy Alternative)

Looking for a non-spicy alternative to harissa spice? Look no further than the combination of smoked paprika and cumin. The smoky flavor of paprika perfectly complements the earthy notes of cumin, resulting in a flavorful substitute for harissa.

To create this substitute, simply mix two parts smoked paprika with one part cumin powder and a pinch of salt. The result is a mild and aromatic blend that adds depth of flavor without the heat of traditional harissa. If you prefer a hint of spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to adjust the spice level to your liking.

This non-spicy harissa alternative is ideal for dishes where you want to enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming heat. It works well in soups, stews, marinades, and even rubs for meat and vegetables.

Give it a try and experience the delightful combination of smoked paprika and cumin as a substitute for harissa. You’ll be amazed at the complexity it adds to your dishes without the fiery kick.

Berbere Spice Blend

In search of a substitute for harissa powder? Look no further than the vibrant flavors of Berbere spice blend. This Ethiopian spice mixture includes a combination of aromatic spices and herbs, such as dried chili peppers, paprika, coriander, cumin, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg. While the taste may not be identical to harissa, Berbere brings a fiery kick to your dishes and offers a similar flavor profile. Use it as a direct substitute for harissa powder or adjust the spice level by adding a few pinches of cayenne pepper for an extra punch.

Ras El Hanout

Ras el hanout is a North African spice blend that can be used as a less spicy substitute for harissa powder. This aromatic spice blend typically includes a combination of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom, among other flavorful ingredients. While not as hot as harissa, ras el hanout can be adjusted to increase the spice level by adding a few pinches of cayenne pepper.

Use ras el hanout as a direct substitute for harissa powder to add a warm and aromatic flavor to your dishes. Alternatively, you can combine ras el hanout with other spices to create a customized harissa flavor profile.

Ras El Hanout Spice Blend

Spices	Ratio
Cumin	2 parts
Coriander	2 parts
Cinnamon	1 part
Cardamom	1 part

Experiment with this versatile spice blend to add a touch of North African flavor to your cooking. Whether you’re looking for a milder harissa substitute or want to explore the rich aromas of North African cuisine, ras el hanout is an excellent option.

Harissa Paste Substitutes

If your recipe calls for harissa paste, there are several substitutes you can use. These alternatives can provide a similar level of spiciness and flavor complexity to enhance your dish. Here are some options:

Sambal Oelek: Sambal oelek, a chili paste from Indonesia, can be used as a 1:1 substitute for harissa paste. It offers a fiery heat and a tangy flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

Sriracha Sauce: Another option is sriracha sauce, a popular chili sauce known for its heat and tanginess. Although it has a different flavor profile compared to harissa, it can add a spicy kick to your dishes.

Peri Peri Sauce: Peri peri sauce, a traditional African sauce made from African bird’s eye chili, can be a flavorful alternative to harissa paste. It adds a unique combination of heat and tanginess to your recipes.

Gochujang: Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, can also be used as a substitute for harissa paste. It has a slightly sweet and fermented flavor with a moderate level of spiciness, adding depth to your dishes.

Bomba Calabrese: If you prefer an Italian twist, consider using bomba calabrese, an Italian chili paste packed with flavor. It offers a mild to medium level of heat and adds a savory and tangy kick to your recipes.

Each of these harissa paste substitutes provides a unique flavor profile and spiciness to your dish. Choose the alternative that best suits your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

Note: When using these substitutes, make sure to adjust the quantity according to your desired spice level, as each alternative may vary in intensity. Experimentation can lead to exciting culinary discoveries!

Conclusion

When it comes to finding a substitute for harissa spice or paste, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a non-spicy alternative or want to explore different spice blends, there is something out there to suit your taste.

Creating a homemade harissa spice blend is a fantastic way to replicate the flavors of traditional harissa. With a combination of dried chilies, cumin, coriander, and other spices, you can achieve a similar heat and complexity. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a milder option, consider combining smoked paprika and cumin for a flavorful substitute.

Don’t limit yourself to just harissa substitutes either. Berbere spice blend from Ethiopia or ras el hanout from North Africa can add their own unique flavors to your dishes. And if you need a substitute for harissa paste, options like sambal oelek or sriracha sauce can provide a similar kick.

So, don’t let the absence of harissa hold you back from exploring bold and spicy flavors. Use these substitutes to enhance your recipes and discover new taste sensations. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can still enjoy the aromatic and fiery essence that harissa brings to your cooking.

FAQ

What is harissa powder?

Harissa powder is a dry harissa spice blend made from spices and dried chiles. It shares a flavor profile similar to harissa paste, containing ingredients like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds.

How can I make a homemade harissa spice blend?

To make your own harissa spice blend, you’ll need a spice grinder, dried chiles, whole cumin, caraway, and coriander seeds, paprika, and garlic powder. Grind the toasted peppers and spices into a powder and store it in an airtight container. This homemade blend can be used as a direct replacement for harissa powder in recipes.

What is a non-spicy alternative to harissa powder?

If you’re looking for a non-spicy alternative to harissa powder, you can combine dried chilli pepper with cumin. Mix a tablespoon of chilli powder with a teaspoon of ground cumin and a pinch of salt for an excellent harissa spice substitute.

What can I use instead of harissa powder for a milder flavor?

For a non-spicy alternative to harissa spice, you can combine smoked paprika and cumin. Mix two parts smoked paprika with one part cumin powder and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.

Can I use berbere spice blend as a substitute for harissa powder?

Yes, berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend that can be used as a substitute for harissa powder. While the taste is not identical to harissa, berbere adds a spicy kick to dishes and can provide a similar flavor profile.

What is ras el hanout and can it be used as a substitute for harissa powder?

Ras el hanout is a North African spice blend that can be used as a less spicy substitute for harissa powder. While not as hot as harissa, ras el hanout can be adjusted by adding a few pinches of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.

What can I use as a substitute for harissa paste?

There are several substitutes you can use for harissa paste, such as sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, peri peri sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and bomba calabrese (Italian chili paste). Each of these substitutes provides a unique flavor and level of spiciness to your dish.

What are some alternatives to harissa paste?

Some alternatives to harissa paste include sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, peri peri sauce, gochujang, and bomba calabrese. These alternatives offer different flavors and spiciness levels to suit your taste.

Can I find a substitute for harissa paste if I can’t find harissa spice?

Yes, there are plenty of options available as substitute for harissa paste if you can’t find harissa spice. You can use sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, peri peri sauce, gochujang, or bomba calabrese as alternatives.

What can I do if I can’t find harissa spice?

If you can’t find harissa spice, you can try making a homemade harissa spice blend or use alternative spice blends like berbere or ras el hanout. Additionally, you can use sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, peri peri sauce, gochujang, or bomba calabrese as substitutes for harissa paste.