If you’re craving bold, spicy flavors that add a vibrant punch to your meals, harissa is a fantastic ingredient to explore. This North African chili paste is traditionally made from roasted red peppers, spices, and olive oil, creating a complex and smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
The best part? Harissa is naturally vegan, making it perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
In this post, we’ll dive into several delicious harissa vegan recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or add some zest to your snacks, these recipes will inspire your culinary creativity.
From robust stews and hearty grain bowls to flavorful dips and marinades, harissa offers versatility that will elevate your plant-based cooking to new heights. Plus, making your own harissa at home is simple and allows you to adjust the heat to your liking.
Ready to embark on a spicy vegan adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Harissa is a game-changer in vegan cooking for several reasons. First, it brings a uniquely smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavor that can transform even the simplest ingredients into a gourmet meal.
It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully as a marinade, condiment, sauce, or even a soup base.
Moreover, these recipes harness whole, plant-based ingredients that are not only delicious but nourishing. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika delivers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Plus, harissa is naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and packed with vitamin C from the roasted peppers.
Whether you’re a spice lover or just beginning to experiment with bold flavors, these harissa vegan recipes will add warmth, depth, and excitement to your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
- Roasted red peppers – 3 large, peeled and seeded
- Dried red chili flakes – 1 to 2 teaspoons (adjust to heat preference)
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Caraway seeds – 1/2 teaspoon, toasted and crushed
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, adjust as needed
- Water – 2 to 3 tablespoons, as needed for consistency
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Small skillet (for toasting spices)
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Spatula
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Toast the spices: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the caraway seeds for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove and crush them using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Prepare the roasted peppers: If not using pre-roasted peppers, roast fresh red peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until charred. Place in a bowl and cover to steam for 10 minutes, then peel, seed, and roughly chop.
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, add the roasted red peppers, toasted caraway seeds, dried chili flakes, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil.
- Blend: Pulse the mixture until smooth but still slightly textured. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen the paste to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and add more salt, lemon juice, or chili flakes to suit your preference.
- Store: Transfer the harissa to a clean glass jar, cover with a thin layer of olive oil, and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
“Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili flakes or adding fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.”
- Smokier version: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked sea salt for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Nutty twist: Blend in a tablespoon of toasted almonds or walnuts for added texture and richness.
- Herbal notes: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or mint when using the harissa as a dip or sauce.
- Spicy oil: Use harissa mixed with olive oil as a spicy drizzle over roasted vegetables or grilled tofu.
- Freeze for longer storage: Portion harissa into ice cube trays and freeze to preserve freshness and make portioning easy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 2 tbsp Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 20% Daily Value |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Harissa can be used in countless ways to add heat and complexity to your meals. Here are some favorite vegan ideas:
- Mix into grain bowls with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and fresh herbs for a spicy kick.
- Use as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
- Stir into soups and stews for added depth and warmth.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies or flatbreads.
- Combine with vegan yogurt or cashew cream for a cooling spicy dip.
Harissa Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
Harissa Roasted Vegetable Bowl
This colorful bowl is packed with roasted seasonal veggies tossed in harissa and served over fluffy couscous or quinoa. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Roast a mix of carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and red onions coated with harissa and olive oil.
- Serve on a bed of cooked quinoa with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Drizzle extra harissa or tahini sauce for creaminess.
For more wholesome grain bowl ideas, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Spicy Harissa Chickpea Stew
This hearty stew combines chickpeas, tomatoes, and plenty of harissa for a warming and filling dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and harissa.
- Simmer until flavors meld and the stew thickens slightly.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Pair it with homemade bread using our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Harissa Hummus
Give your classic hummus a fiery makeover by mixing in harissa paste. This dip is perfect for snacks, parties, or as a sandwich spread.
- Blend cooked chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of harissa.
- Adjust seasoning and chili level to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
For more delicious dips, explore our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.
Conclusion
Harissa is an extraordinary ingredient that brings warmth, spice, and complexity to vegan cooking without any fuss. These harissa vegan recipes prove that plant-based meals can be just as exciting and flavorful as any other cuisine.
From roasted vegetable bowls to spicy stews and zesty dips, incorporating harissa into your cooking will open up a world of delicious possibilities.
Not only is harissa simple to make at home, but it also offers a nutritious boost thanks to its wholesome ingredients and spices. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with more plant-based meals, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and inspire your culinary creativity.
Don’t forget to explore other inspiring vegan recipes on this site to keep your kitchen vibrant and healthy!
📖 Recipe Card: Harissa Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Description: A flavorful vegan dish featuring roasted vegetables tossed in spicy harissa sauce. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner option.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss sweet potatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, cumin, salt, and 2 tablespoons harissa paste.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Add chickpeas and remaining 1 tablespoon harissa paste to the baking sheet, mix well, and roast for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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