Harissa Carrots with Tzatziki
Spice up your veggies with our harissa carrots served with cool tzatziki and topped with shaved almonds. A symphony of flavours in every bite!
Why You’ll Love Harissa Carrots with Tzatziki
Step into a world of flavour with our latest obsession: harissa carrots with tzatziki. This is a delightful fusion of bold flavours and contrasting textures.
The carrots, roasted to perfection, are generously coated in a spicy blend of harissa, delivering a punch of warmth and spice that lingers on the palate. Paired with cool, tangy, and creamy Tzatziki, each bite is both satisfying and memorable.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the addition of shaved almonds, providing a subtle crunch that elevates the overall texture profile. Let’s not forget the lovely aromatic parsley to help complete this carrot side dish!
What Is the Origin of Harissa?
Harissa is a spicy and flavourful condiment that originated in North Africa, specifically in Tunisia.
It is a staple in Tunisian and broader Maghrebi (North African) cuisines and has become popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines as well. The word “harissa” comes from the Arabic word “harasa“, which means “to pound” or “to crush“.
What Does Harissa Taste Like?
Traditional harissa is made by grinding together hot chilli peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices, such as cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. The result is a thick paste or sauce with a complex and fiery flavour profile.
Harissa is versatile and is used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient to add heat and depth to a wide range of dishes, including stews, couscous, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Over time, harissa has gained international popularity and has been incorporated into various cuisines and recipes, showcasing its adaptability and appeal to those who enjoy bold and spicy flavours.
What Is a Substitute for Harissa Paste?
If you can’t find harissa paste and don’t wish to make your own, you can try:
Sriracha: Sriracha is a popular hot chilli sauce with a garlicky and tangy flavour. While not identical to harissa, it can add a spicy kick to your dishes. Super delicious when used to make a sriracha aioli too!
Red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For a quick and simple substitute, you can use red pepper flakes or your favourite hot sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
Cayenne pepper and smoked paprika: Create a spice blend by combining cayenne pepper for heat and smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. This won’t replicate the full complexity of harissa but can add depth to your dish.
Thai red curry paste: While different from harissa in terms of flavour profile, Thai red curry paste can provide a spicy and aromatic element to your dishes. Adjust the quantity to avoid overwhelming the dish with Thai flavours.
What Is Tzatziki Sauce Made From?
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek condiment known for its cool and refreshing taste. It’s typically made from a base of thick Greek yoghurt combined with cucumber, garlic, and various herbs such as dill and mint.
Recipe Overview
Flavour/Texture: Harissa carrots with tzatziki offer a dynamic flavour experience. The harissa brings a spicy and smoky kick to the carrots, creating a rich and warming taste. The heat from the harissa is often balanced by the natural sweetness of the roasted carrots.
Tzatziki, on the other hand, provides a cool and tangy contrast to the spiciness. The combination of creamy yoghurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and herbs in tzatziki adds a refreshing and herby flavour profile.
Together, the harissa and tzatziki create a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, creamy, and tangy notes.
The carrots, roasted to perfection with the harissa, are tender on the inside and slightly caramelised on the outside, offering a satisfying bite. The tzatziki, with its creamy consistency, adds a smooth and cooling texture that complements the crunch of shaved almonds.
Ease: Super easy recipe. You’re just coating the carrots with a harissa concoction and in the oven it goes!
Time: Don’t let the time put you off. Of the 50 minutes, 40 minutes is spent in the oven. Use that time to continue cooking and preparing the rest of your lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients you need for harissa carrots with tzatziki:
Harissa paste: For this recipe we used a pre-made harissa paste which can easily be found. Plenty of really good products out there to make the process easier instead of making it yourself
Cumin powder: Just a touch of cumin powder to provide warm, earthy and nutty flavours.
Heirloom carrots: Grab 2 bunches of heirloom carrots or Dutch carrots. Feel free to grab rainbow ones if they are readily available for some gorgeous colours. Just cut off the top an inch from the vegetable and peel them before coating them in the harissa mix. Carrots with harissa is a match made in heaven.
Shaved almonds: Love the additional smoky notes of toasted shaved almonds. So incredibly easy to use. You can add toasted shaved almonds to simple blanched or steamed vegetables or in salads such as purple cauliflower salad and persimmon salad.
Tzatziki: Grab a tub of your favourite tzatziki. Around 200g will suffice. The perfect condiment to cool the heat from the harissa.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein additions: Incorporate protein into the dish by adding grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas. The harissa’s bold flavours pair well with various proteins.
Citrus zest: Enhance the flavours with a burst of citrus. Add lemon or orange zest to the harissa or a squeeze of citrus juice to the tzatziki for a refreshing touch.
Nuts and seeds: Besides shaved almonds, experiment with different nuts or seeds like pine nuts, pistachios, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavour.
Harissa paste: If you don’t have harissa paste, substitute with a mix of chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and a touch of smoked paprika. Adjust the ratios based on your spice preferences. Or check out some of the other substitutions above which would also go well with carrots.
Nut allergies: For nut-free options, omit the shaved almonds or replace them with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Dairy-free tzatziki: Make a dairy-free tzatziki using coconut or almond yoghurt instead of Greek yoghurt. Adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavours.
Instructions
Step by step instructions for how to make harissa carrots with tzatziki:
Preheat the oven to 180°C or 360°F.
Cut the leaves off the carrots about 1 inch from the top. Peel, wash and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add 3 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, cumin powder and carrots. Mix until well combined.
Baste a sheet pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place harissa carrots on the sheet pan and put in the oven. Let it roast for 40 minutes.
While carrots are roasting, dry toast the shaved almonds in a small frying pan for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Toss regularly.
Roughly chop flat leaf parsley to yield about 2 tbsp.
On a platter, place the tzatziki in a circle on the outer part of the platter.
Place the roasted harissa carrots in a row in the middle.
Spread 1 tbsp of harissa paste down the middle of the carrots.
Sprinkle some toasted shaved almonds and chopped parsley on top.
Drizzle some small drops of olive oil around the plate.
Serve
How to Make This Side Dish Perfectly [Expert Tips!]
Select fresh, firm carrots: Choose carrots that are fresh, firm, and uniform in size for even cooking. This ensures that they roast consistently for the best harissa carrots recipe. This is true for all our carrot recipes such as roasted yellow carrots with black garlic or sous vide carrots with hot honey.
Invest in quality harissa: If using store-bought harissa, opt for a high-quality brand or make your own for the best flavour. Quality harissa will have a well-balanced blend of spices and heat.
Adjust spice level: Taste the harissa mixture before coating the carrots and adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. You can always add more if you want an extra kick.
Toast almonds for depth: If using shaved almonds, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat. Toasting enhances the nutty flavour and adds depth to the dish. Be attentive to prevent burning.
Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately after assembling to preserve the contrasting temperatures and textures of the roasted carrots and cool tzatziki.
Pair with complementary dishes: Consider serving harissa carrots with tzatziki alongside dishes that complement its flavours, such as grilled meats or a refreshing salad such as our cucumber and tomato salad or beetroot salad with radicchio and pomegranate.
Great Mains with This Side Dish
What to serve with harissa carrots with tzatziki? Try these delicious main dish recipes:
These harissa carrots can go with almost anything. Adding a little spice to your meal is a great way to enhance flavours. For a vegetarian night, try this vegetable strudel in puff pastry recipe.
For something a little different, you can’t go past mozzarella stuffed turkey meatballs or crab stuffed salmon. How good do they sound!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, harissa is not an Indian spice but rather of North African origin. While harissa is not Indian, both cuisines share a love for bold and flavourful spices.
Indian cuisine is known for its extensive use of spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and chilli peppers, creating a diverse and rich flavour profile.
The culinary traditions of North Africa, including those of Tunisia, also embrace a mix of aromatic spices to enhance the taste of dishes.
The pronunciation of the Greek word “tzatziki” is approximately “tsah-tsee-kee.” Here’s a breakdown:
“Tsa“: The “tsa” sounds like the “zz” in “pizza.” It is a combination of the “t” and “s” sounds, pronounced quickly together.
“tsee“: The “tsee” is like saying “cheese” but with a “t” sound at the beginning.
“kee“: The “kee” is pronounced like the English word “key“.
So, when you say it all together, it’s “tsah-tsee-kee“. Keep in mind that the “tz” sound is not exactly like the English “z” sound; it’s a bit sharper with the “t” sound blended in.
Tzatziki is a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The most popular way to enjoy tzatziki is with a souvlaki or gyros.
It can also be enjoyed as a dip with fresh crudites or warm pita bread. Also great with heavy and strong flavours such as falafel, grilled meats on mezze platters.
Savour the harmonious symphony of bold flavours and contrasting textures in every bite of these harissa roasted carrots – a culinary masterpiece that turns a simple side dish into a feast for the senses.
Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant and irresistible combination, perfect for sharing with those who appreciate the art of good food.
More Egg Free Side Dishes
FEED YOUR FOMO! For more sides and salads, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to get our latest updates.
Harissa Carrots with Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp harissa paste, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- salt, to taste
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 bunch heirloom carrots
- 2 tbsp almonds, shaved
- 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 200 g tzatziki
Click on the toggle below for conversion to US Cooking Units.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C or 360°F.
- Cut the leaves off the carrots about 1 inch from the top. Peel, wash and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 3 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, cumin powder and carrots. Mix until well combined.
- Baste a sheet pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place harissa carrots on the sheet pan and put in the oven. Let it roast for 40 minutes.
- While carrots are roasting, dry toast the shaved almonds in a small frying pan for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Toss regularly.
- Roughly chop flat leaf parsley to yield about 2 tbsp.
- On a platter, place the tzatziki in a circle on the outer part of the platter.
- Place the roasted harissa carrots in a row in the middle.
- Spread 1 tbsp of harissa paste down the middle of the carrots
- Sprinkle some toasted shaved almonds and chopped parsley on top.
- Drizzle some small drops of olive oil around the plate.
- Serve
Notes
- Incorporate protein into the dish by adding grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas. The harissa’s bold flavours pair well with various proteins.
- Enhance the flavours with a burst of citrus. Add lemon or orange zest to the harissa or a squeeze of citrus juice to the tzatziki for a refreshing touch.
- Besides shaved almonds, experiment with different nuts or seeds like pine nuts, pistachios, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavour.
- If you don’t have harissa paste, substitute with a mix of chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and a touch of smoked paprika. Adjust the ratios based on your spice preferences. Or check out some of the other substitutions above which would also go well with carrots.
- For nut-free options, omit the shaved almonds or replace them with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Make a dairy-free tzatziki using coconut or almond yoghurt instead of Greek yoghurt. Adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavours.
- Choose carrots that are fresh, firm, and uniform in size for even cooking. This ensures that they roast consistently for the best harissa carrots recipe.
- If using store-bought harissa, opt for a high-quality brand or make your own for the best flavour. Quality harissa will have a well-balanced blend of spices and heat.
Nutrition
*Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
![Mashed Sweet Potatoes [Savoury Recipe]](https://thesidesmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sweet-Potato-Mash-1-768x1024.jpg)
![Asian Chive Kimchi – Buchu Kimchi [부추김치]](https://thesidesmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Asian-Chive-Kimchi-Side-Dish-3-768x1024.jpg)
This recipe is a true winner. The harissa gives the carrots an amazing depth of flavor, perfectly balanced by the refreshing tzatziki. Every bite was a delicious contrast of textures – tender carrots, creamy dip, and the crunch of the almonds. Yum!
This is easily the most flavorful carrot side dish I’ve ever had!
Thanks Juyali! So glad to hear you enjoyed the side dish:)
Wow! This carrot dish looks absolutely delicious and the presentation makes this enticing too! A perfect treat for any given occasion! Shave almond is definitely a great add-ons to boost its taste. Loved it!
Have to admit that adding toasted shaved almonds onto almost any bland tasting vegetables is my go to trick when I’m lazy! LOL
I loved the ease of preparation for these carrots and the tzatziki added just the right amount of cooling creaminess with the Harissa heat.
Exactly! Which was the whole reason for the combination. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think carrots are so underrated! I love them, and am always looking for new inspiration. I came across your recipe, and it’s fantastic. So delicious, and the harissa packs the perfect flavour punch. The tzatziki is the perfect cooling element. Overall, such an ideal balance of flavours. Will make again!
Right??? I agree too. Such a versatile vegetable with so many different options.