Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched markets of Tunis with this incredibly vibrant and easy-to-make dip. Omek Houria, a classic of Tunisian cuisine, is a stunning combination of sweet cooked carrots and the fiery, complex heat of harissa paste.
More than just a side dish, this versatile creation is a staple on mezze platters, a sensational sandwich filler, and the perfect partner for grilled fish and meats. Its brilliant orange hue is a guaranteed show-stopper at any dinner party or picnic.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe proves that incredible flavour doesn't require a long list of ingredients. Here's what to gather:
- 500g carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp ground caraway seeds
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley, to garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Creating this dip is wonderfully straightforward, taking less than 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Cook the Carrots: Place the chopped carrots in a saucepan of salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are very tender and easily pierced with a knife.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the carrots are cooking, heat the olive oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant – be careful not to let it burn.
- Build the Flavour: Stir in the harissa paste, tomato purée, caraway, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to meld together.
- Combine and Blend: Drain the cooked carrots thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the warm carrots with the spicy harissa mixture and the lemon juice. Blitz until you achieve your desired consistency – some prefer it completely smooth, while others like a bit of texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions & Chef's Tips
The beauty of Omek Houria lies in its versatility. Serve it warm with crusty bread or crispy pitta chips for dipping. It also makes a phenomenal spread for wraps and sandwiches, especially with falafel or grilled chicken.
Pro Tip: The quality of your harissa paste will make all the difference. Seek out a good Tunisian brand for the most authentic flavour. For a smokier note, you can use a little smoked paprika. Allow the dip to sit for an hour before serving to let the flavours develop and deepen even further.
