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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RECIPE
What is Harissa
Other Low Carb Sauces

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Other 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.
Romesco, Chimichurri or Harissa sauces are a great place to start, and here’s why:
- Classic sauces that have stood the test of time
- They can introduce you to some global cuisines without intimidating recipes
- Compliant with a wide range of diets
- No sugar, but still robust flavor
- Easy to make with readily available ingredients
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).
You can purchase a great harissa spice blend or you can mix up your own with these ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp ground cumin,
- 2 Tbsp ground caraway,
- 2 Tbsp ground coriander,
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon,
- 1 cup Powdered chile peppers (mixed)
- salt (to taste)

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.
This 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.
Recipe for Low Carb Harissa Sauce
Low Carb Harissa Sauce (or Paste)
Equipment
- Spice grinder Can use coffee grinder
- Blender Or food processor
Ingredients
- 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
Video
Notes
Nutrition
For more recipes using Harissa:
Spiced ChickpeasTamale Harissa Pie
For more recipes using Romesco:
For more recipes using Chimichurri:
Chimichurri Topped Beef Brisket
Online Diet/Health Coaching:
Although I am not currently taking clients for diet & health coaching, I have been a coach for many years with the online service called coach.me. It is a great platform for all kinds of coaching – anything from specific diets, writing a blog, getting up early, or getting rid of that pesky procrastination.
There are some wonderful coaches and the testimonials will tell you what you need to know. Contact me at [email protected] to get a referral to some of the tested, experienced online coaches on Coach.me
If you’d like to start with a plan for a low carb or keto lifestyle, check out this detailed guide in ebook form. It may be all you need to lose weight on this lifestyle. Or it may be used as a supplement to one-to-one coaching.
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