Harissa: Tunisia’s Iconic Spice Paste Honored at Nabeul Festival

NABEUL, Tunisia (AP) — Harissa, the beloved chili paste that has become a symbol of Tunisian cuisine, takes center stage at the annual festival in Nabeul, the heart of Tunisia's harissa-producing Cap Bon region. The spicy, tangy condiment, made from sun-dried baklouti peppers blended with garlic, vinegar, and spices, has been a staple in Tunisian households and a growing favorite worldwide. “Harissa is a love story,” said Chahida Boufayed, a local chef and harissa expert, during the festival. Boufayed, surrounded by strings of vibrant red peppers, shared her traditional preparation methods with visitors, emphasizing its cultural and culinary importance. Since UNESCO recognized harissa as an item of intangible cultural heritage in 2022, its popularity has surged globally, from North Africa to France, the United States, and even China. The condiment is lauded for its versatility, enhancing dishes like eggs, fish, merguez sausages, and sandwiches. The Nabeul festival showcased diverse harissa variants, from smoky to spice-infused blends, attracting aficionados and tourists eager to experience Tunisia’s culinary treasure. As Zouheir Belamin, president of the preservation group organizing the festival, noted, “Harissa is more than a condiment; it’s a cultural ambassador for Tunisia.”