Harissa paste
Harissa is a fiery, aromatic chili paste originating from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, where it's considered a national staple. It's typically made from roasted red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of spices like caraway, coriander, and cumin, creating a complex, smoky heat.
🍳 View the full Harissa paste recipe →
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Harissa is primarily a source of healthy fats from its olive oil base and contains minimal carbohydrates and protein. It's rich in capsaicin from the chilies, which has antioxidant properties, and provides a burst of flavor with a rough calorie count of about 40-50 calories per tablespoon.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 30 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Capsaicin | 2 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (18 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, harissa is so integral to Tunisian identity that it's a common gift and a staple at almost every meal, often served alongside bread. Nutritionally, the capsaicin in the chilies is studied for its potential metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits.
