Harissa Carrots And Ranch Food

HARISSA

Steps:

• If you want spicy harissa, include the chiles' seeds; if not, slit them open to remove and discard the seeds. Tear the chiles into large pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Carefully pour 4 cups boiling water over chiles and set aside until softened, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the coriander and cumin seeds in a small skillet and cook over medium heat, swirling the pan often, until the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the spices into a blender, add the oil, salt, garlic and lemon juice, and puree until smooth. Drain the chiles, reserving 1 cup of the soaking liquid (discard remaining liquid). Add the chiles and reserved liquid to the blender and puree on high until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Season the harissa with pepper and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

HARISSA-AND-MAPLE-ROASTED CARROTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°. Whisk garlic, oil, maple syrup, harissa, and cumin seeds in a small bowl; season garlic mixture with salt and pepper.
• Toss carrots and lemon with garlic mixture in a large roasting pan to coat; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until carrots are tender and lemons are caramelized, 35-40 minutes.
• Do ahead: Carrots can be roasted 6 hours ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature or reheat slightly before serving.

GRILLED CARROTS WITH HARISSA BUTTER

Steps:

• Toss 1 1/2 pounds peeled small carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat, covered, turning, until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Mix 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon harissa, 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander and a pinch each of salt and pepper; toss with the carrots. Top with torn mint and flaky salt. Serve with lemon wedges.

HARISSA-ROASTED CARROT DIP WITH SEEDY-CHEESY CRACKERS

Steps:

• For the crackers: Combine the flour, flax seeds, millet, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Give it a few pulses to combine and break up. Add the butter and feta, pulse until the mixture is evenly combined and the butter is in pea-sized bits. Continue to pulse while drizzling in the water, then pulse until the mixture clumps together and forms a dough. Turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap, flatten into a disc, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until cold and firm.
• Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to a scant 1/8-inch-thick. Cut into 2-inch squares or other 2-inch shapes and arrange on the prepared baking sheets about a 1/2-inch apart (makes about 60 crackers). Bake until golden and the edges are dark, start checking at 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool on the pans. These can be stored on the counter in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• To serve, spoon some Harissa Roasted Carrot Dip in a bowl and swirl around the top. Drizzle with some extra-virgin olive and a pinch of flaky salt. Serve with the crackers.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the carrots, onion, pepper and garlic on the prepared pan and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and several turns of black pepper and toss everything around to coat. Roast in the oven until softened and edges begin to get dark browned and charred, start checking at 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
• In a food processor, combine the roasted carrot mixture with the lemon juice, harissa, cider vinegar and smoked paprika and blend until smooth, stopping to scrape the sides as necessary. With the motor running, slowly stream in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to serve.