Harissa Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Harissa is a vibrant, spicy North African chili paste that adds a smoky, fiery kick to any dish. Traditionally used in meat-based recipes, harissa’s bold flavors are equally exciting when incorporated into vegetarian dishes.

Whether you want to elevate simple roasted vegetables, create a hearty stew, or whip up a zesty dip, harissa is your go-to ingredient for an instant flavor boost. In this post, we’ll explore several delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian harissa recipes that celebrate wholesome plant-based ingredients while delivering that unforgettable spicy warmth.

From creamy harissa hummus to roasted vegetable bowls and spicy grain salads, these recipes showcase how versatile harissa can be. Plus, we’ll share tips for making your own harissa paste at home, ensuring you have a fresh, vibrant spice blend on hand whenever inspiration strikes.

Ready to spice up your vegetarian meals? Let’s dive into these flavorful creations that are sure to satisfy both spice lovers and those new to harissa alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Harissa’s versatility makes it a fantastic addition to vegetarian cooking. Its smoky, spicy profile pairs beautifully with a wide range of vegetables, grains, and legumes, creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

These recipes are not only packed with flavor but also nutrient-dense and wholesome, making them perfect for anyone looking to eat healthfully without sacrificing taste.

Another reason to love these recipes is their simplicity. Many of these dishes come together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

And if you enjoy experimenting with bold flavors, harissa offers endless possibilities to customize heat levels and ingredient combinations. You’ll find yourself reaching for harissa time and time again to transform ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

Harissa Paste (Basic Homemade Version)

• 6 dried red chilies (such as guajillo, New Mexico, or ancho)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Harissa Roasted Vegetable Bowl

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Harissa Chickpea Stew

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small eggplant, cubed
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Harissa Hummus

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Equipment

• Blender or food processor (for harissa paste and hummus)
• Baking sheet (for roasting vegetables)
• Large skillet or saucepan (for stew)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Make the Harissa Paste: Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 20 minutes until soft. Drain and remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Place the chilies, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach a paste consistency.
2. Prepare Harissa Roasted Vegetable Bowl: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with olive oil and harissa paste. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast the Vegetables: Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Serve the roasted vegetables over cooked quinoa or couscous. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
5. Make Harissa Chickpea Stew: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in eggplant, carrot, cumin, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
7. Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas: Pour in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and harissa paste. Stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Prepare Harissa Hummus: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, harissa paste, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until creamy, adding olive oil in a steady stream. If too thick, add water tablespoon by tablespoon until desired consistency is reached.
9. Serve Hummus: Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil. Pair with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or use as a spread on sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

Control the heat: Adjust the number of dried chilies and remove seeds for a milder harissa. For extra heat, add fresh chili peppers.

Storage: Homemade harissa paste keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Try different bases: Swap quinoa or couscous for farro, bulgur, or rice in the roasted vegetable bowl for variety.

Protein boost: Add roasted tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to the vegetable bowl for an extra protein punch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Harissa dishes shine when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Serve the roasted vegetable bowl alongside a crisp green salad or a dollop of cooling yogurt or vegan Greek yogurt to balance the heat.

The chickpea stew is perfect over fluffy couscous or with warm flatbread to soak up every bit of the spicy sauce. For the harissa hummus, consider serving it as part of a mezze platter with olives, fresh veggies, and warm pita for a delightful appetizer or snack.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Conclusion

These harissa vegetarian recipes prove that bold, spicy flavors can be enjoyed fully in plant-based meals. Harissa adds a smoky depth and vibrant heat that transform simple vegetables, legumes, and grains into satisfying, memorable dishes.

By making your own harissa paste, you control the intensity and freshness, elevating everyday meals effortlessly.

Whether you’re new to harissa or a longtime fan, these recipes offer a variety of ways to incorporate this North African staple into your vegetarian repertoire. Experiment with these dishes, tweak the spice levels, and enjoy the warmth and complexity harissa brings.

And if you’re hungry for more delicious plant-based recipes, explore our collection like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless meals.

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