Harissa

This hot sauce features strongly in North African cooking. It can be used as a condiment, served with food according to individual tastes; it can be added to dishes to give them a fiery kick; or it can be served as a dip for warm bread, either on its own or blended with a little yogurt. Traditionally, the ingredients are pounded to a paste using a pestle and mortar, but whizzing them in a blender is far simpler and quicker. This recipe makes a small amount for a dip, or enough for several d