harissa

[ huh-ri-suh, hah-ree-suh ]

noun

1. a pungent paste or sauce made with chiles, garlic, cumin, caraway, coriander, paprika, and olive oil, used as a condiment and flavoring in North African and Middle Eastern cooking.

harissa

/ həˈrɪsə /

noun

1. (in Tunisian cookery) a hot paste or sauce made from chilli peppers, tomatoes, spices, and olive oil, often served with couscous

Word History and Origins

Origin of harissa¹

First recorded in 1905–10; from Arabic harīsa, originally a dish of bulgur and meat pounded together into a porridge, from harasa “to pound, crush, break”

Word History and Origins

Origin of harissa¹

C20: from Arabic

Example Sentences

Danny's Jimmy Nardellos and harissa relish with labneh and mint sounded amazing, and I got a kick out of the notion of going from a Chateaubriand to bologna and canned corned beef.

From Salon

I am not a spicy person in any capacity, but I love harissa because it offers a bit more of a nuanced heat with some deep flavor.

From Salon

Earthy pistachios add a delightful crunch, while the smoky heat of harissa complements the halibut’s subtle sweetness.

From Seattle Times

It adds some heat from harissa and chili to a pasta with eggplant and parsley, finished with walnuts.

From Seattle Times

Whisk in the harissa and 3 tablespoons water; set aside.

From Washington Times