Green Harissa Sauce Recipe
This Green Harissa Sauce combines vibrant flavors with health benefits to create a delicious condiment that can enhance any meal. Originating from North Africa, harissa is usually made with red peppers, but this green version packs a punch with fresh vegetables and herbs. Not only does this sauce add zest to your dishes, but it also serves as a healthy option packed with nutrients. Preparing this sauce can elevate your meal prep game while keeping meals low in calories and full of flavor.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Green Harissa Sauce is perfect for anyone looking for quick meal prep ideas. It is a lighter option that can easily be included in various diets, indicating why it’s excellent for weight loss or maintaining a balanced diet. With its high protein content from the lamb chops and healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts, this dish will keep you satisfied without the guilt. This sauce serves as an excellent condiment, guaranteeing that each bite of your meal bursts with flavor. It’s great for those who seek healthy and simple ways to enhance their meals.
HOW TO MAKE Green Harissa Sauce
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Grill pan or large skillet
- Food processor or blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium jalapeño (use more to make it more spicy)
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach, kale, or chard
- 3/4 cup packed fresh Italian parsley leaves and stems (or a mix of parsley and cilantro)
- 1/2 cup toasted walnut halves
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, chicken broth, or water
- 2 medium garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 (1 1/4-inch-thick) lamb rib chops (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Make The Green Harissa Sauce:
- Turn a gas burner on medium heat and char the jalapeño until blackened and slightly collapsed, turning frequently.
- Transfer the charred jalapeño to a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Once cool enough, trim off the stems from the jalapeño and remove the seeds and ribs.
- Combine the jalapeño with all the harissa ingredients except 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir to help loosen the sauce. (This sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead—store refrigerated in an airtight container.)
Cook The Lamb Chops:
- Meanwhile, season the lamb chops generously with salt and pepper and coat well in olive oil.
- Set a grill pan or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the lamb chops and cook until lightly seared, about 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare (125°F).
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving them with the green harissa on the side.
HOW TO SERVE Green Harissa Sauce
Serve the Green Harissa Sauce generously on the side of your lamb chops for a flavor explosion. You can also use this sauce to dress salads or as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables, making it versatile for any meal. When serving, consider portion control; a tablespoon or two of sauce is plenty to enjoy the taste without overwhelming the dish or overdoing it on calories. This lighter option allows you to savor the flavors while maintaining a healthy diet.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Green Harissa Sauce
You can store any leftover Green Harissa Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. This way, you can take out small portions whenever you need to enhance a meal. Just remember to label the container with the date before freezing for easy reference.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a well-balanced meal, serve the lamb ribs topped with Green Harissa Sauce alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty quinoa salad. Both options add fiber and nutrients, making your meal satisfying and healthy. Consider incorporating a simple side salad made with leafy greens to amp up the meal’s nutritional benefits.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier Version: To make a lighter option, substitute the lamb chops with grilled chicken breast or zucchini steaks. This change keeps the meal low in calories while still tasting fantastic with the Green Harissa Sauce.
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High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: If you want a high-protein meal, serve the Green Harissa Sauce with baked tofu or seared salmon. These options are not only protein-packed but also align with low-carb diets.
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Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Version: For those using an air fryer, marinate the lamb chops in olive oil and harissa before air frying them at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes for full flavor. The air fryer gives a crisp finish without much added fat.
FAQs
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Is Green Harissa Sauce healthy?
Yes! Green Harissa Sauce is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs. It is also gluten-free, low calorie, and good for weight loss. -
Can I make Green Harissa Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It allows for great meal prep options. -
What can I serve with Green Harissa Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a spread on sandwiches. It also works great with plant-based proteins for a hearty meal. -
How should I store any leftover Green Harissa Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Green Harissa Sauce
Making the Green Harissa Sauce ahead of time is a smart choice. Not only does this empower your meal prep but also saves time during busy evenings. You can create a big batch at the beginning of the week to coat proteins, dress salads, or use as a dip throughout the week. Freezing portions is also a great time-saver, especially for busy days when you want a healthy meal without the fuss.
With this Green Harissa Sauce, you can take your kitchen skills up a notch while keeping your meals healthy, tasty, and satisfying. Enjoy this versatile condiment in various dishes, be it salads, grilled meats, or veggie dishes.
Green Harissa Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Turn a gas burner on medium heat and char the jalapeño until blackened and slightly collapsed, turning frequently.
- Transfer the charred jalapeño to a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Once cool enough, trim off the stems from the jalapeño and remove the seeds and ribs.
- Combine the jalapeño with all the harissa ingredients except 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir to help loosen the sauce. (This sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead—store refrigerated in an airtight container.)
- Meanwhile, season the lamb chops generously with salt and pepper and coat well in olive oil.
- Set a grill pan or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the lamb chops and cook until lightly seared, about 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare (125°F).
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving them with the green harissa on the side.