Harissa Festival Celebrates Tunisia’s Iconic Chili Paste and…

The harissa festival in Nabeul celebrates Tunisia’s essential chili paste, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. Chef Chahida Boufayed emphasizes its importance in her cuisine. The festival has attracted attention from global tourists, reflecting harissa’s growing popularity beyond North Africa, akin to sriracha. Harissa is traditionally made by women, combining peppers, garlic, and spices, resulting in diverse flavors and colors.

In northeastern Tunisia, the harissa festival celebrates the beloved chili paste, a vital component of Tunisian cuisine. Nationally recognized for its flavor, harissa is made from sun-dried red peppers, garlic, vinegar, and various spices, resulting in a tangy and spicy spread enjoyed with diverse dishes. Chef Chahida Boufayed emphasizes that harissa is integral to her culture, expressing her passion rather than focusing on profit.

The festival, held in Nabeul, grew significantly after UNESCO recognized harissa as an item of intangible cultural heritage. This recognition has boosted tourism in the region, as visitors flock to experience this culinary tradition. Harissa’s popularity extends beyond North Africa, reaching places like France, the United States, and China, drawing parallels to sriracha, known for its similar spicy profile.

The preparation of harissa is traditionally a women’s craft involving the drying and grinding of red peppers, followed by mixing with olive oil and spices using a mortar and pestle. Variants of this condiment can have unique ingredients such as smoked peppers, cumin, and coriander, producing a wide range of colors and flavors. Boufayed describes harissa-making as an art form that, when mastered, can yield delicious results.

Harissa is a chili paste significant to Tunisian cuisine, characterized by its bright red color and spicy flavor. Typically made with peppers, garlic, and spices, it serves various culinary purposes in Tunisian homes and restaurants. The recognition of harissa by UNESCO has elevated its cultural status, promoting both local pride and tourism in Tunisia’s Cap Bon region, especially Nabeul, known for its production of this condiment.

The harissa festival in Nabeul highlights the cultural significance of this chili paste in Tunisia, promoting it as a vital aspect of national cuisine. With UNESCO’s recognition, harissa has gained international attention, enhancing tourism and culinary exploration in Tunisia. As a traditional craft, its preparation continues to be primarily a women’s endeavor, showcasing expertise and creativity in each variant produced.

Original Source: www.newsday.com