Name: Easy Algerian Sauce
Ingredients: 1 small red onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup): Onions provide a savory base and essential flavor to the sauce. Red onions bring a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: This herb adds freshness and a vibrant flavor that brightens the sauce.; 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed: Garlic infuses the sauce with richness and depth. Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic’s punch.; 1 cup mayonnaise: The creaminess from the mayonnaise serves as the sauce’s base, giving it a luscious texture. For a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt.; 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste): Lemon juice adds acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. Adjust based on your desired tanginess.; 3-6 tablespoons harissa paste (3 for mild, 6 for hot): Harissa paste brings heat and a complex flavor profile. You can decide how spicy you want the sauce!; 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste: This ingredient contributes richness and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.; 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin lends a warm earthiness that complements the other spices in the sauce.; 1 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the acidity and spice, rounding out the flavors.

Description

Discover the vibrant flavors of easy Algerian sauce, perfect for adding a zesty kick to any dish with simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

1 small red onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup): Onions provide a savory base and essential flavor to the sauce. Red onions bring a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: This herb adds freshness and a vibrant flavor that brightens the sauce.
1–2 cloves garlic, crushed: Garlic infuses the sauce with richness and depth. Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic’s punch.
1 cup mayonnaise: The creaminess from the mayonnaise serves as the sauce’s base, giving it a luscious texture. For a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt.
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste): Lemon juice adds acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. Adjust based on your desired tanginess.
3–6 tablespoons harissa paste (3 for mild, 6 for hot): Harissa paste brings heat and a complex flavor profile. You can decide how spicy you want the sauce!
1.5 tablespoons tomato paste: This ingredient contributes richness and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin lends a warm earthiness that complements the other spices in the sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the acidity and spice, rounding out the flavors.

Instructions

Combine the Fresh Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 small red onion, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed. Use a fork or a whisk to incorporate these fresh ingredients well, letting their flavors mingle.
Add the Creamy Base: Next, add 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons harissa paste, 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon sugar to the bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Carefully taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. You can add more lemon juice for a tangier flavor or increase the harissa if you prefer more heat. Remember, the flavors will intensify as the sauce sits, so be mindful of how you adjust it!
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour. This waiting period allows the ingredients to meld beautifully together. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later use.