Have you heard of harissa? Harissa is a spicy North African paste made from chilies, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, spices (like cumin, coriander, and mind) and lemon or vinegar—and it’s trending as operators continue to search for the “next sriracha.”
Harissa brings the heat to a variety of different cuisines—as a marinade, to enhance soups, or even spread atop an artisan pizza.
“We’re always looking for commonality with a twist, and harissa brings that,” Dot Foods Corporate Chef Tim Gump says.
Spicy Soups and Stews
This flavor-packed paste is a great enhancement to soups and stews. Chickpea harissa soup, known as lablabi in Tunisian dishes, is a great addition to any menu. Chickpeas have grown 24 percent on menus across the country, per Datassential, and are a favorite of consumers trying to boost protein without adding in meat.
Adding in yellow onion, carrots, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and honey to taste—in addition to the chickpeas and harissa—make for a savory soup just begging for toppings, like herbs, capers, pitted olives, and even croutons.
A sweet potato stew could be jazzed up with harissa; or even a white bean stew with a turmeric yogurt garnish can make harissa a dish full of warmth, comfort, and plenty of spice.
Pizza and Bread Dip
Swirling harissa onto a pizza can be a great way to add in this trendy paste—consider a harissa pizza with Moroccan-spiced cauliflower. Spinach, feta, and grilled chicken on a pizza with harissa could liven up a gourmet pizza as well. Taking it past the pizza, harissa is ideal for blending into a dipping sauce for bread—add a spoonful to hummus or even olive oil for a lively take on tapas.
Your Sourcing Solution
Have a hankering for harissa? Dot Foods is your sample solution. Find this perfect paste to use in soups, stews, pizza, marinades—and so many more applications. Share your creations with us, using #DevourByDot on Instagram.