Harissa

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups (loosely packed) hot dried red chiles (about 1 ounce)
2. 1/3 cup olive oil
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, ground in a spice grinder or mortar
5. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
7. Salt

1. In a small saucepan, cover the chiles with water. Boil over moderately high heat until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Cover and let soak for 1 hour.
2. Drain the chiles, reserving the soaking liquid, and transfer them to a food processor. Add the oil, garlic, caraway, coriander and cumin and season with salt. Puree until smooth, adding enough of the reserved chile liquid to blend the sauce. Transfer to a bowl.