Harissa - Moroccan Hot Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup dried hot red chili pepper
2 teaspoons salt
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons lemon juice, approx
1 teaspoon ground cumin powder
olive oil

Preparation

Place the chiles in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.
Place over high heat and let the water come to a boil.
Remove from heat and let sit for about an hour.
Drain the chiles and place in a blender or food processor along with the salt and garlic.
Blend the mixture and add the lemon juice, bit by bit, to keep the mixture moving. ( If the peppers don't seem to be blending, add additional lemon juice as needed.).
Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, remove and place in a small glass jar.
Stir in the cumin and smooth the mixture down.
Pour enough olive oil over the \"harissa\" to completely cover the top.
Cover and refrigerate.
Makes about 1/2 cup.