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Garlicky Harissa

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This isn’t the thick harissa that resembles a paste. Treat it like your favorite barbecue sauce and smother grilled steak and chicken with it.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    1 cup

Ingredients

8 dried guajillo chiles (about 2 ounces), seeds removed
2 chiles de árbol, seeds removed, or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Kosher salt

Special Equipment

A spice mill or a mortar and pestle

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place guajillo chiles and chiles de árbol in a large heatproof bowl and pour in boiling water to cover. Let soak until softened, 40–45 minutes; drain.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toast cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, swirling pan often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool, then finely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle.

    Step 3

    Drain chiles; transfer to a blender and purée, adding hot water by the tablespoonful as needed until smooth. Strain chile mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Mix in ground cumin, garlic, oil, and vinegar. Season with salt and let sit 15 minutes before serving.

  2. Do Ahead:

    Step 4

    Harissa can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

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