Dersa (Algerian Chile Paste)

Algerian dersa is a spicy garlic and chile paste, similar to harissa, made by blending garlic, chile, cumin, and paprika together using a mortar and pestle. It is used a lot in the Maghreb region as a seasoning for fish, meat, or potatoes. Not everyone uses exactly the same proportions or the same spices. Some people add lemon juice, others add parsley. In short, there are as many variations as there are tastes, but the basic ingredients are almost always the same: garlic, cumin, chile or cayenne pepper, and olive oil.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 70 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cloves garlic - peeled, halved, and germ (green sprout) removed
• ½ small red chile pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place garlic, chile pepper, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a mortar; grind into a paste using a pestle. Pour in olive oil and mix well.