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harissa

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /həˈrɪsə/

KK: /həˈrɪsə/

noun
Definition

A spicy sauce from North Africa made with chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and various spices.


Example

I added harissa to the stew for an extra kick of flavor.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried harissa in your dishes?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but I've heard it's really flavorful.
Sloth A
You should definitely give it a shot; it adds a nice kick!
Sloth B
I will! I love trying new sauces in my cooking.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sauce
condiment
paste
Antonyms
bland
mild
tasteless
Root Explanation

The word 'harissa' originates from Arabic 'حَرِيسَة' (harīsa), meaning a spicy paste or sauce made from chili peppers and spices. It is commonly used in North African cuisine, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria.

Memory Tip

Think of the Arabic word for a spicy paste, 'harīsa', to remember that 'harissa' refers to a flavorful chili sauce used in cooking.

Visually Confused Words
charissa
carissa
harrisia
clarissa
charisma
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