Recipes With Harissa Paste Vegetarian: Flavorful & Easy Ideas

If you’re looking to add a fiery and flavorful punch to your vegetarian meals, harissa paste is your new best friend. This North African chili paste, made from roasted red peppers, spices, and chili, is bursting with heat and complexity, making it a versatile ingredient in vegetarian cooking.

Whether you want to spice up a simple vegetable stew, elevate your grain bowls, or add a smoky kick to dips and spreads, harissa paste offers bold flavors that can transform everyday dishes into culinary delights.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious and easy-to-make recipes with harissa paste vegetarian that are perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. These recipes showcase how this vibrant paste can complement vegetables, legumes, and grains, creating meals that are not only tasty but also nutritious and satisfying.

Ready to turn up the heat? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Harissa paste is a game-changer for vegetarian cooking because it:

• Adds depth and complexity: The combination of smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavors enhances bland or simple ingredients.
• Is incredibly versatile: Use it as a marinade, sauce base, or condiment for a variety of vegetarian dishes.
• Boosts nutrition: Made from chili peppers and spices, harissa adds antioxidants and metabolism-boosting compounds.
• Is easy to find or homemade: You can buy it ready-made or whip up a fresh batch with a few pantry staples.
• Pairs well with many cuisines: From Mediterranean to Middle Eastern and North African dishes, it fits right in.

These recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to explore new flavors while keeping meals plant-based and wholesome.

Ingredients

• Harissa paste – 2 to 4 tablespoons depending on spice preference
• Chickpeas (canned or cooked) – 1 can (15 oz) or 1 ½ cups cooked
• Eggplant – 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper – 1 large, sliced
• Zucchini – 1 medium, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley – ¼ cup chopped
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Couscous or quinoa – 1 cup cooked (optional for serving)

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the eggplant, slice the red bell pepper and zucchini, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add the eggplant, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Add chickpeas and harissa: Stir in the chickpeas and 2 tablespoons of harissa paste (add more if you like it spicier). Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables and chickpeas with the harissa.
5. Add cherry tomatoes: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften but still hold their shape.
6. Season and finish: Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a nice finish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve: Serve the harissa vegetable and chickpea skillet over warm couscous, quinoa, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“If you prefer a milder heat, start with just 1 tablespoon of harissa paste and add more gradually to taste.”

• Make it a stew: Add canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to turn this into a hearty harissa vegetable stew. Simmer for 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Add protein: For extra protein, toss in cubed tofu or tempeh, marinated in a little harissa and baked or pan-fried.
• Try roasted vegetables: Instead of sautéing, roast the vegetables with harissa paste and olive oil in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes for a smoky char.
• Use as a dip: Mix harissa paste with vegan yogurt or labneh for a spicy dip, perfect with pita bread or vegetable sticks.
• Swap vegetables: Feel free to use sweet potatoes, carrots, or green beans depending on what you have on hand.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This harissa vegetable and chickpea dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and additions:

• Grains: Serve over fluffy couscous, quinoa, or brown rice to soak up the spicy sauce.
• Salads: A fresh cucumber and mint salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the heat nicely.
• Breads: Warm pita, flatbread, or crusty sourdough are perfect for scooping up every last bit.
• Dips: Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce to cool the spice and add creaminess.
• Other recipes you might love: For more exciting vegetarian ideas, check out Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals, Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, and Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas.

Conclusion

Harissa paste is a fantastic ingredient to keep in your pantry if you love bold, vibrant flavors in vegetarian cooking. Its smoky heat elevates simple vegetables and legumes into satisfying dishes that warm the soul and excite the palate.

Whether you’re making a quick skillet meal, a slow-cooked stew, or a zesty dip, harissa adds a unique Mediterranean-North African flair that’s hard to beat.

Experiment with different vegetables, grains, and protein sources to make these recipes your own. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to explore more vegetarian delights like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your meal ideas fresh and exciting.

Happy cooking and enjoy the fiery goodness of harissa in your vegetarian meals!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Harissa Chickpea Stew”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A spicy and flavorful vegetarian stew featuring harissa paste, chickpeas, and vegetables. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons harissa paste”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 zucchini, diced”, “1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (400g) diced tomatoes”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in harissa paste and cumin, cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}