Recipe: Basic harissa

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: Makes 1 cup

Note: You can grind the spices in a spice grinder, a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

4 ounces dried chiles (equal amounts of New Mexico, guajillo and chipotle chiles)

5 cloves garlic, peeled

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds, freshly ground

1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds, freshly ground

2 tablespoons best-quality olive oil, plus extra for storage

1. Place the chiles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let rest until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain, then remove the seeds and stems from the chiles. Wear latex or rubber gloves when you do this to avoid irritating your skin.

2. Place the seeded and stemmed chiles into the bowl of a food processor with the garlic and pulse a couple of times. Add the salt, caraway and coriander. Process until smooth, pouring the olive oil into the feeding tube on top as you blend. Add a little water if necessary to achieve the right consistency: The harissa should be a thick paste. To store, top off with a thin layer of olive oil and refrigerate.

Each serving: 37 calories; 1 grams protein; 4 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 2 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 108 mg. sodium.