Sunshine in a jar

This week the miserable cold wet weather is getting to me. Whilst the log burner is gorgeous to have and quite mesmerising and the long slow cook recipes lovely and warming, essentially I am over winter.  My bones are cold, I don’t want to stay inside hiding from the elements any more, I need to be in the sun, sitting outside and soaking up some heat from the sun, being outside with nature and the sounds, smells and peace that comes with lovely weather.  Winter feels so long and this period after Christmas is just a little bit miserable. 

To cheer myself up I found myself turning to cooking meals that make me think of the sun, some Mediterranean flavours and last week, harissa which for some reason always makes me think of summer days, warm weather and happiness.  

At a basic level Harissa is a North African chilli paste but, actually it is so much more.  Chilli paste might make you think of something super-hot and spicy but actually that would not be right at all. Somehow it has just a little kick and because of the middle eastern spices and heady garlic it is absolutely full of the most incredible flavour.  It is just the right side of spicy, smoky, sweet and warming. Absolutely delicious. 

I only discovered harissa a couple of summers ago (I know, I know) and now I can't stop using it.  I have found myself putting into all sorts of dishes.  A humble bowl of tomato soup is totally transformed to a spectacular bowl of summer tomato soup with a spoonful of harissa.  Simple fried or bread-crumbed fish is elevated with a harissa sauce (mix through mayonnaise or yoghurt), a plain tuna mayonnaise sandwich is brightened with the addition of a spoonful of harissa as is a pasta salad. 

Yoghurt and spice fried chicken

Harissa lamb with mint, pistachios and yoghurt

Cauliflower and hummus wrap

If you have never tried it, please go buy yourself a jar and try it.  We have some lovely recipes with harissa.  For lunch how about a halloumi and harissa wrap or a cauliflower and hummus wrap both are vegetarian but easily made vegan.  Then for snacks how about sticky harissa wings (which incidentally you could make vegan by replacing the chicken wings with roasted cauliflower) or spicy yoghurt chicken strips - both of which you will fight over.  Or for a more substantial meal try meatballs with a gorgeous tomato harissa sauce, just perfect with couscous.  Or what about harissa lamb with mint, pistachios and yoghurt, gorgeous with flatbread.

Harissa meatballs

Halloumi and harissa wrap

Sticky harissa wings