Best Homemade Harissa Sauce: Low Carb

Protein, fat and vegetables are the staples of most of the low carb and slow carb (and keto) diets. A perfect way to add flavor to these staples is to use a robust spice or sauce. A harissa paste or harissa spice blend is one of my favorite sauces that adds flavor, whether you are low carb or not!

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Popular Low Carb Sauces

If you are not used to cooking whole foods, the protein world of a low carb diet can get monotonous very quickly.  

Even if you don’t follow a low carb diet, it is fun to explore the world of enhancing flavor with robust, unique sauces.

Low Carb Harissa Sauce

Harissa is a wonderful North African sauce or condiment that is used to flavor many different kinds of dishes.  It is frequently used to flavor couscous and grilled dishes.  It is also used as a relish or condiment with all kinds of proteins.

You can make your own harissa sauce with the recipe below. Sometimes however, a powdered harissa spice blend is a better option (i.e., when using rubs on sheet pan dinners).

Other Popular Low Carb Sauces

Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is an Italian sauce made with peppers, tomatoes, vinegar and ground almonds. My favorite way of using Romesco sauce has been to take it out of the refrigerator, warm it slightly in the microwave and top off scrambled or fried eggs with the sauce. 

It is also wonderful to add to vegetables or any sauce or skillet diner you are making to enhance the flavor profile.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is an important part of Argentinian cuisine, traditionally served with grilled chorizo and grilled steaks.  Pan-seared skirt steak with chimichurri sauce is a popular recipe.

Chimichurri sauce also pairs nicely with chicken and fish, it works well as a marinade, and it is delicious on vegetables.  Any of these choices work with a low carb or slow carb diet.

Most of these low carb sauces can be stored for at least 3 weeks and used as convenient, creative meal enhancements by pairing them with just about any protein or veggie or egg dish you make.

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Low Carb Harissa Sauce (or Paste)

Harissa is a North African paste made with peppers and spices. Purchased harissa ranges in the degree of spicy heat, with some being extremely hot. This DIY recipe is considered medium hot, as I think it allows the other spices in it to shine.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 8

Calories 8

Author Dorothy Stainbrook

Equipment

• Spice grinder Can use coffee grinder
• Blender Or food processor

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 12 dried chile peppers I used a combination of guajillo, pasilla and arbol but you can mix and match
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp Vietnamese cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• juice from 1-2 lemons
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

 

• De-stem chile peppers and soak dried chile peppers in pot of water that has just been turned off after being brought to a boil. Soak for 20-30 minutes to hydrate.
  12 dried chile peppers
• Toast seeds 2-3 minutes in small, dry pan over medium heat, until aromatic. Let cool before grinding.
  1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp caraway seeds
• Add cinnamon, salt and toasted spices to a coffee bean grinder and grind to a fine grind or powder.
  1 tsp Vietnamese cinnamon, 1 tsp salt
• Drain peppers, reserving chile water, and add chiles, spices lemon juice, garlic and oil to blender or food processor. Process until smooth, thinning with chile water if necessary.
  juice from 1-2 lemons, 5 cloves garlic, 3 Tbsp olive oil

Notes

For Homemade Harissa Spice Blend:

• 2 Tbsp ground cumin, 
• 2 Tbsp ground caraway, 
• 2 Tbsp ground coriander, 
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon, 
• 1 cup Powdered chile peppers (mixed)
• salt (to taste)

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 293mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 203IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg

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For more recipes using Harissa:

Spiced ChickpeasTamale Harissa Pie

Baked wings

Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers

For more recipes using Romesco:

Italian Pepperonata

Spanish Pork Romesco

For more recipes using Chimichurri:

Chimichurri Topped Beef Brisket