North African Red Sauce

All over North Africa, this hot red pepper sauce, known as harissa, is in demand. You can buy it in tubes or cans, but homemade harissa is superior.

Harissa is very useful in the kitchen. Burgers of every kind are improved immeasurably with just a dab. Stir a little into the broth when you’re cooking chickpeas or braising chicken, or into thick bean soups. Or use a spoonful in vegetable salads or to give oomph to a vinaigrette. New Mexico or guajillo chiles are a good choice for dri