[mumofstig]

Originally posted in a Grow Your Own thread, but needs to be here

Like your idea of the harissa paste, AnneB. would you mind sharing how you do this please?

I use the River Cottage Recipe....  Makes 2 smallish jars

250 g tomatoes
50 g chillies ( hot preferable if you want the paste to have enough bite)
2 fat garlic cloves
50 g shallots
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
Half tsp salt
50 ml olive oil

Drop tomatoes in pan boiling water for 30 secs to remove skin, then scoop out seeds.   If I am feeling lazy I don't bother with this bit, I don't mind a bit of texture, but the result is less of a paste.
Remove stalk from chillies.  If you want the paste very hot leave the seeds in, or remove some or all of them to taste.
Put all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor or similar and blitz until well blended.  Tip into small saucepan, heat and boil for approx 10 minutes until reduced and starting to thicken.  Leave to cool a bit then pack in warm sterilised jars, leaving a 1cm gap at the top.  Pour oil over the paste to cover it and seal the jars.
It keeps for up to 4 months, but you can freeze it in portions to keep longer.  Make sure jar is covered with layer of oil.

http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/harissa-paste/