Where can I buy Harissa?

[myasorubka]

I have some turnips that I would like to slather in harissa and lemon, and set jealously next to a plate of minty couscous. Anyone know a store that sells harissa, so that I can complete my turnip torture? Preferably near Cambridge?

[Lady_Tenar]

I'm almost positive I've seen it at Dave's Fresh Pasta in Davis Square. Check that place out--you'll probably find all kinds of amazing things that you've had a hard time finding.

-----
Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144

[veggielover]

I love the Belazu Rose Harissa I buy at Sofra's.

-----
Sofra
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[gabbyology]

I'm pretty sure I saw it at the Butcherie in Coolidge Corner. And there are Middleeastern grocers in Watertown which I'm sure will carry some! Mmm enjoy!

[SunGlow]

I'm pretty sure I got mine at Sofra - it was pricey but delicious.

-----
Sofra
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[katzzz]

Was in the Fresh Pond Whole Foods today and there in the midst of the Chinese and Thai sauces was a small jar of harissa, organic, imported from Tunisia, around $10, which seemed expensive. Anyone tried it? There was an empty space next to it with a label for another kind of harissa for $3, but no way to know if it was tube, jar or can. Anyhow, I think I'll head to Watertown to check out the Armenian markets.

[kobuta]

Maybe too late, but they also sell the kind that's in a tube (from France, I think) at the Gypsy Kitchen in Quincy. Right off Quincy Center T station.

[BostonZest]

It's also easy to make. But, I would ask the folks at one of the Watertown markets to recommend a great version from their supply.

[katzzz]

Formaggio's in cambridge has it in a tube imported from somewhere in N.
Africa (I forget exactly where) for around $4. I didn't buy it because being a newbie to harissa, I wasn't sure if a tube was the way to go. Is the canned better? No doubt it keeps better in a tube, but I don't know if that would be the equivalent of anchovy paste, which runs a distant second in my estimation to even the cheapest canned anchovies.

[GretchenS]

I the tube you saw was DEA, that is my favorire, hands down.

[dulce de leche]

Somerville Market Basket.

[MC Slim JB]

I think I got some, a small tomato-sauce-sized can, not too long ago at Syrian Grocery Importing Co. in the South End.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

-----
Syrian Grocery Importing Co
10 Damrell St, Boston, MA

[femmevox]

You can get it to go from the Middle East restaurant.

There are only a few things I enjoy eating there, but I think the harissa's good.

-----
Middle East Restaurant
472 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

[myasorubka]

Thank you all so much for the info! I appreciate your input, and I can't wait to go explore these places.

[hckybg]

I've also seen it recently at Capone Foods in Somerville (but I assume their Mass Ave. location would also have it). I believe that Christina's Spices typically has it as well, but you'd want to call and check.

[grant.cook]

If you want to be authentic, I'd hit Arax or Sevan in Watertown.. but as the other poster stated, its not hard to find. Its usually sold in a small can..

[tatsu]

Among my friends from the Maghreb, it seems Tunisian is the favorite. You could also stop by the Halal butchers, since many of them are North African-run, such as Al-Hoda in Central. The lamb is very good there as well, and inexpensive, the merguez not bad. Some pickled lemons Moroccan-style might be nice for your dish too.

Interesting enough Hi-Rise Bread Company makes their own Harissa for their sandwiches. It's very good and I often ask for it as an add-on or sub-in for mustard. They don't sell it, unfortunately.

-----
Hi-Rise Bread Company
56 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA

[astrid]

Confirmed -- I have bought in a small 6oz can at Sevan.

[simonr]

that can will last forever - fortunately it freezes well

[nasilemak]

whole foods fresh pond carries it.