Harissa

This spicy pumpkin and chickpea soup is bursting with delicious North African flavors.

The recipe was shared with us by Maxim Lyubimov, chef of Leo Wine & Kitchen, bar "Nachalo".

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the Loomi restaurant.

Cauliflower has long become something of a budget meat substitute: it has flesh, creaminess, protein content, and in general it resembles chicken. And, let's be honest, chewing elastic inflorescences fried until golden brown is more pleasant than soy imitation of meat cutlets. Sergey Navasartov takes advantage of the similarity of cabbage to poultry, complementing it with satsivi sauce. And for volume of taste, he also adds a Middle Eastern spice mix harissa, but if you do not have it in your kitchen , take adjika, it will also successfully add an interesting spicy note to the cabbage. Recipe from Sergey Navasartov, chef of the restaurant "Noev Kovcheg".

Vegetable couscous is a fragrant and rich dish of Moroccan cuisine that combines traditional spices, fresh vegetables, and tender couscous. Its roots go back centuries when Moroccans created dishes using simple yet rich ingredients. Thanks to saffron, cinnamon, and ras el hanout, vegetable couscous acquires a warm, spicy flavor with light citrus notes. Chickpeas and raisins add softness and sweetness while parsley and harissa provide a zesty freshness. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or festive table. It can be a standalone vegetarian treat or an accompaniment to meat dishes. Serving with pine nuts and butter gives the couscous a velvety texture, making it incredibly pleasant to taste and rich.

Shakshuka is a classic dish of Jewish cuisine, full of aroma and warmth, famous far beyond its origins. It embodies the rich history of Mediterranean flavors by combining spicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and warming garlic with the tenderness of eggs. The heat of harissa and cumin adds zest, while the rich tomato sauce makes it perfect for dipping fresh pita. Shakshuka delights with its vibrant colors and rich taste, reminiscent of sunny mornings in the East. It is prepared for cozy family breakfasts or as a hearty dinner dish, and the ability to adjust the doneness of the eggs makes it versatile. Shakshuka is best served straight from the hot skillet, accompanied by fresh vegetables and bread that soaks up the flavorful sauce.

Bean and tomato stew is a fragrant dish of Arab cuisine that combines simple yet rich flavors. Its roots lie in the traditions of regional gastronomy, where tomato base and legumes play a key role in everyday diet. Vegetables simmered in olive oil reveal their sweet taste, while beans add richness and softness. Parsley adds fresh notes, and harissa brings spicy heat, turning an ordinary stew into a savory delight. This dish pairs perfectly with flatbreads or rice, warms on cool evenings, and is great as a standalone dish or as part of a large Eastern feast.

Chickpea pancakes with zucchini salad are an exquisite combination of crispy flatbreads and fresh vegetable salad. Chickpeas, known for their nutrition and nutty flavor, turn into soft, tender pancakes that are perfectly complemented by the spiciness of harissa and the aroma of green onions. The key feature of the dish is the contrast of textures: airy pancakes and juicy zucchinis seasoned with mint and feta. This dish is inspired by Mediterranean traditions where legumes play an important role in cuisine. The flavor palette of the delicate chickpea batter, creaminess of yogurt, and freshness of zucchinis creates a harmonious ensemble. It can be served as a light lunch or dinner, and thanks to its vibrant flavor accents, it will adorn any table.

Vegetable couscous with chickpeas and preserved lemon is a harmony of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors enriched with aromatic spices. The couscous absorbs the delicate texture of vegetable broth and gains a rich taste from harissa and fresh herbs. Chickpeas add nutrition to the dish while preserved lemons provide a light tang and refreshing citrus note. Leeks, carrots, parsnips, and figs create a subtle balance of sweetness and spice, while mint adds freshness. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or friendly gathering, complemented by traditional Eastern bread and yogurt sauces. Rich in plant proteins and fiber, it offers a feeling of fullness and pleasure with every bite.

Grilled corn with spicy sauce is a true symphony of flavors inspired by European culinary traditions. The juicy, sweet taste of roasted corn is harmoniously complemented by a rich, slightly spicy sauce featuring the creaminess of butter, the zest of garlic, and the depth of harissa. This dish is perfect for summer evenings when the scent of smoke and roasted spices fills the air. It can serve as a standalone snack or a wonderful accompaniment to meat dishes. The aroma of natural alder smoke concentrate gives the corn a special smoky note that highlights its unique flavor. Serving the corn hot and generously coated with spicy sauce will provide you and your guests with genuine gastronomic experiences.

This Italian recipe transforms ordinary carrots into a culinary masterpiece. The combination of spices—smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander—gives the carrots a rich, slightly smoky flavor, complemented by a spicy yogurt sauce with harissa and lemon zest. The crispy crust formed during roasting makes the dish's texture incredibly appetizing. This dish is perfect as a side for meat or fish and also serves as a light snack that surprises with its depth of flavor and aroma. It embodies the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients and skillfully chosen spices make every dish a small celebration.

Curry with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas is a vibrant and aromatic dish from Indian cuisine that combines rich spices and the tender texture of vegetables. Roasted cauliflower with curry until golden brown acquires a slightly nutty flavor and crispy texture, while chickpeas add richness and nutrition. Coconut milk makes the sauce velvety, and harissa paste adds a hint of spiciness. This dish pairs excellently with fragrant basmati rice and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Historically, curry emerged as a way to combine spices and ingredients into a rich, warming dish, with variations spread worldwide. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner or vegetarian feast, bringing warmth and Eastern notes in every bite.

Lamb shank with chickpeas is a dish inspired by Greek culinary traditions, where spices, meat, and vegetables harmoniously combine. Tender lamb slow-cooked with harissa, cinnamon, and tomatoes reveals a rich bouquet of aromas, while chickpeas add texture and richness. Olives provide a light spiciness, and fresh mint adds a refreshing accent. The dish is perfect for a leisurely family dinner or festive gathering when one wants to enjoy the depth of Mediterranean flavors.

Maple marinade with mustard and harissa offers a refined balance of sweetness, spiciness, and zest that creates a unique flavor for meat dishes. Its roots trace back to American culinary traditions, where caramel notes of maple syrup are combined with the rich sharpness of mustard. Harissa adds hints of spicy exoticism, while apple cider vinegar provides a fresh tanginess. This marinade is perfect for barbecues, imparting juiciness and a rich aroma to the meat. The marinade penetrates deeply into the meat's structure, enhancing its flavor and creating an appetizing caramelized crust when grilled. It's an excellent choice for those looking to add unusual zest to traditional grill dishes, transforming them into true gastronomic masterpieces.

Vegetables with Turkish chickpeas are a cozy dish with a rich aroma of spices and a velvety texture. A European cuisine with Eastern notes, it perfectly combines the sweetness of carrots and turnips, the softness of potatoes, and the freshness of zucchini. Chickpeas, soaked for a long time and cooked slowly, become tender, while spices—coriander, cumin, turmeric, and harissa—add depth and warmth to the flavor. This dish evokes the warmth of home, comforting both soul and body. It is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to meat, with a generous portion of fresh parsley adding brightness and freshness to the picture. Ideal for cozy family dinners when you crave something hearty yet light. It reveals the philosophy of slow cooking where each ingredient contributes to the harmony of taste.