Harissa is a fiery-hot chili paste that originates from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It's made from a blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs, creating a complex mixture of heat, aromatics, and flavors.

The history of harissa can be traced back to Berber communities in North Africa, who have been using chili peppers for thousands of years. They would grind the chili peppers with spices and herbs to create a sauce that could be added to meals to add flavor and heat. Over time, harissa became an essential condiment in North African cuisine, and its popularity has since spread throughout the world.

In North Africa, harissa is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and dips. It's also used to add heat to traditional dishes like shakshuka and tagine. Harissa can be found in many forms, ranging from a thick, spreadable paste to a more liquid form that can be used as a marinade.

One of the unique qualities of harissa is its versatility. It can be used to add heat to dishes, but it also has a depth of flavor that can complement a wide range of ingredients, from meats and vegetables to grains and legumes. Harissa is often used to add a bold, spicy kick to vegetarian and vegan dishes, giving them a new level of flavor.

Harissa has become popular in many different cuisines, and it's now commonly found in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisine. It's also a popular condiment in many restaurants, where it can be used as a dip, a marinade, or a condiment to add heat to dishes.

Some dishes that go well with harissa include:

1. Grilled Meats: Harissa is often used as a marinade for chicken, lamb, beef or fish, adding a spicy and flavorful kick to grilled dishes.

2. Vegetables: Harissa is a great addition to roasted or grilled vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, and bell peppers.

3. Soups and Stews: Harissa can be added to soups and stews for a bold and spicy flavor.

4. Couscous and Rice Dishes: Harissa is a common ingredient in North African couscous and rice dishes, bringing a spicy and aromatic flavor to the meal.

5. Sandwiches and Pitas: Harissa can be used as a condiment in sandwiches and pitas, adding a spicy and tangy flavor to these dishes.

6. Sauces and Dips: Harissa can be added to sauces and dips to give them a spicy kick.

7. Eggs: Harissa is a great addition to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or Shakshuka, adding a spicy and aromatic flavor to breakfast dishes.

Harissa can be purchased pre-made or made from scratch using a combination of dried chili peppers, spices, herbs, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Whether using it as a condiment or a seasoning, harissa is a versatile and flavorful addition to a variety of dishes.