MediumMarinades & Rubseasynorth-africancarrotpasteversatile
Mantle Carrot Harissa
Carrot harissa already exists — roasted carrots add sweetness and body to the traditional North African paste. Mantle carrots at 50K SHU add the heat too, eliminating the need for dried chili.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Servings
12
Peak SHU
50K
Featured Organisms
SS-CAR-03MantleCarrot · 50K SHU
Ingredients
- 6 Mantle carrots (SS-CAR-03), halved lengthwise
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt
Instructions
- 1
Toss carrots and garlic with olive oil. Roast at 425°F for 25 min.
- 2
Peel garlic. Blend with roasted carrots and all spices.
- 3
Add lemon juice and salt. Blend until smooth.
- 4
Store in a jar topped with olive oil.
Tips
- Kindling carrots (500 SHU) for a mild harissa.
- Stir into couscous, spread on flatbread, or rub on lamb.
Science Note
Roasting converts carrot sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) into caramelization products that create sweetness to counterbalance capsaicin heat. The Maillard browning also generates pyrazines — the nutty, roasted aromas that make harissa distinctive.