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Harissa Aioli

Harissa Aioli is creamy, spicy, comes together in a flash and is good on just about anything. From fries, to burgers to chicken and chips, you are going to want to dip all the things in it.

When you’re reaching for something to dip your french fries in, to slather on your burgers or dunk your chicken nuggets in, you might be tempted to grab the old standbys like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch. And while those are all great, if you’re looking for something a little bit different, you should definently try this Easy Harissa Aioli.

Traditionally aioli is made with egg, oil, garlic and lemon in a mortar and pestle. In addition to the worry over the use of raw eggs, traditional aioli takes some time. This version uses mayonnaise as the base so it makes things a bit quicker but not any less delicious.

Spoonful of Harissa Aioli

What is Harissa?

Harissa is a North African red chili paste made with chiles, olive oil, citrus and spices. Like many chili pastes there are varying degrees of heat. You can buy hot, medium or mild.

Let’s talk about what other ingredients you’ll need for this aioli recipe.

Ingredients in Harissa Aioli

  • MAYONNAISE: This will be the creamy base of the aioli.
  • HARISSA: You should be able to find Harissa paste in the international aisle of the grocery store. I buy mine at Trader Joes or you can make your own homemade harissa.
  • LEMON JUICE: This adds a bit of acidity and brightness to the dip.
  • GARLIC: Fresh works best for this!
  • SALT: Just a sprinkle to really bring out the flavor of the Harissa.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Harissa Aioli is incredibly easy to make. Seriously. It is just a matter of whisking the ingredients together and letting them sit a bit.

It’s so good guys. Creamy, spicy and full of flavor. We dipped grilled fries in it but I can’t wait to use it on sandwiches… burgers…chips…onion rings…a spoon.

french fry dipped in Harissa Aioli.

Want more Aioli Recipes? I’ve got a couple you have GOT to try!

Easy Garlic Aioli also uses a mayo base and is one of my favorite all purpose dips for fried things!

Truffle Aioli for when you want to fancy things up a bit!

Malt Vinegar aioli is perfection with artichokes!

Note: This post was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 2022 with new photos and nutrition information.

Spoonful of Harissa Aioli

Harissa Aioli

This harissa aioli is quick, easy and good on just about anything!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons harissa paste
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and harissa. Season to taste with salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in a covered container and use within a few days.

Notes

Harissa can be on the spicy side so if you're worried start out with one teaspoon and work your way up. 
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 262mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 61IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: aioli, haissa

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    backrooms game
    November 8, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    I can’t wait to begin dipping my fries.

  • Reply
    Billy
    December 29, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love aioli – but I haven’t tried it with harissa before! Sounds like such a delicious spread to put on a sandwich. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Elena
    May 1, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Fries and aioli are the perfect combo. I hope that he’s feeling better soon!

  • Reply
    Heather @FrenchPress
    May 1, 2015 at 7:42 am

    hope your little guy is felling better – and I cannot wait to start dipping some fries

  • Reply
    Liz Thomson
    May 1, 2015 at 4:31 am

    Oh my goodness, I’m glad your little guy is ok!

  • Reply
    Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
    May 1, 2015 at 4:14 am

    Aww, I hope your little guy is feeling better soon! This aioli sounds like perfect comfort food – I love the addition of harissa here!

  • Reply
    Florian @ContentednessCooking
    May 1, 2015 at 2:10 am

    I’m such a big fan of harissa! Your twist to used it in a aioli is marvelous. Thanks for sharing this!

  • Reply
    Marlynn [UrbanBlissLife]
    May 1, 2015 at 12:17 am

    Aww poor little guy! Glad nothing was broken. Sounds like the aioli and fries were a well deserved treat after a day like that!

  • Reply
    Adriana Martin
    May 1, 2015 at 12:02 am

    Harissa my favorite flavor lovely recipe I need some of this now =)

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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