Rose Harissa: Neom’s Flavorsome Fusion

Rose Harissa in Neom

In Neom, a city that epitomizes the fusion of tradition and futuristic innovation, Rose Harissa has become a culinary staple. This North African chili paste, enhanced with the unique addition of rosewater and dried rose petals, is a testament to Neom’s diverse and vibrant food culture. It’s an ideal blend for adding depth and flavor to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted vegetables and meats.

Ingredients:

• Dried Kashmiri red chilies or guajillo chilies: 40 g
• Dried ancho chilies: 25 g
• Garlic cloves, peeled: 4
• Cumin seeds: 10 ml (2 tsp)
• Coriander seeds: 15 ml (1 tbsp)
• Caraway seeds: 7.5 ml (1½ tsp)
• Tomato paste: 15 ml (1 tbsp)
• Dried rose petals: 15 ml (1 tbsp)
• Granulated sugar: 7.5 ml (1½ tsp)
• Kashmiri chili powder, or paprika: 7.5 ml (1½ tsp)
• Lemon juice: 30 ml (2 tbsp)
• Rosewater, divided: 15 ml (1 tbsp)
• Cider vinegar: 60 ml (4 tbsp)
• Olive oil, divided: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
• Salt: 7.5 ml (1½ tsp)

Method:

1. Chili Preparation: In a hot frying pan, toast the chilies and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove the garlic and soak the chilies in boiling water, covered with a plate, for 30 minutes. Then strain and chop.
2. Toast Seeds and Mix: Toast the cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds in the same pan. Crush them in a mortar and pestle and add to a food processor with the chilies, garlic, tomato paste, rose petals, sugar, and chili powder.
3. Blending: Add lemon juice, half the rosewater, cider vinegar, half the olive oil, and salt to the processor. Blitz to a coarse paste.
4. Final Touches: Stir in the remaining rosewater and olive oil by hand.
5. Storage: Transfer the harissa to a sterilized jar, top with a layer of oil, and refrigerate if not using immediately. It keeps for several weeks.

In Neom, Rose Harissa is more than just a condiment; it’s a culinary symbol of the city’s innovative spirit. With its vibrant color and complex flavor profile, it perfectly complements the city’s ethos of blending the best of global cuisines while adding a unique Neom twist. Whether used in traditional recipes or as a creative addition to modern dishes, Rose Harissa in Neom embodies the city’s commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

Explore more information about Middle Eastern cooking here.

Also, for additional information about the culinary scene in NEOM visit NeomTaste.com or NeomPoint.com.