Save This Moroccan Harissa Pasta with Date and Almond Crumble is a bold weeknight dinner packed with deep flavors and a textural crunch. Spicy harissa, sweet dates, and toasty almonds bring a North African spirit to a hearty pasta everyone will crave. Whenever I want to surprise friends with something unexpected yet comforting, this is the recipe I reach for.
Every time I make this, the smell of harissa and cumin fills my kitchen and friends always ask for seconds. Watching family scoop up every last bit of the almond crumble makes it totally worth it.
Ingredients
- Dried rigatoni or penne Pasta shapes with ridges hold onto the bold sauce well so look for bronze-cut options for better flavor
- Sea salt Salt seasons the pasta water which brings the whole dish together
- Olive oil Look for extra virgin with a peppery finish for both the sauce and crumble
- Red onion The base for plenty of sweetness and aroma pick one that feels firm and heavy
- Garlic cloves Essential to building a Moroccan-inspired sauce use fresh and juicy cloves
- Harissa paste The star ingredient A good quality jar packs depth smokiness and heat taste for your preferred spice level
- Ground cumin Warm and earthy this is a must for layering in classic flavors choose freshly ground for more fragrance
- Smoked paprika Adds complexity and a subtle warmth Spanish smoked paprika is especially flavorful
- Canned crushed tomatoes Deepens the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity look for Italian San Marzano for best results
- Tomato paste Intensifies the tomato flavor use a double-concentrated style if possible
- Vegetable broth or water For body and savoriness opt for homemade or a low-sodium store-bought one
- Salt and black pepper Basic seasonings to round out the sauce taste as you go
- Lemon zest Lifts the whole dish with a bright citrus note use a microplane for a fluffy texture
- Whole raw almonds Provides the crunch toast them yourself for freshness
- Medjool dates Offer natural caramel sweetness choose soft plump dates for easiest chopping
- Sesame seeds Echo Moroccan flavors with a subtle nuttiness check for freshness and no bitterness
- Fresh cilantro or parsley Sprinkle for color and a fresh finish use whole leaves for the prettiest look
- Lemon wedges For serving and an added burst of acidity always serve fresh
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a big pot of salted water and add your pasta Cook until al dente like the box says and do not forget to reserve half a cup of cooking water before draining This keeps the starches to help emulsify the sauce later
- Build the Harissa Sauce:
- While the pasta is bubbling heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium Add finely chopped onion and stir often for three to four minutes until soft and translucent Lower the heat and toss in the garlic harissa paste cumin and smoked paprika Let everything bloom for another minute swirling so the spices do not burn You want a robust aroma before the next step
- Simmer and Thicken:
- Dollop in tomato paste and use your spoon to push it into the hot pan for about a minute so it darkens Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth Let the sauce bubble gently for about ten minutes Stir every so often until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon Grate in lemon zest and taste for salt and black pepper
- Make the Date and Almond Crumble:
- While the sauce simmers toast almonds in a dry small skillet over medium heat two to three minutes until fragrant and golden Remove let cool and then chop roughly Mix almonds with finely chopped Medjool dates sesame seeds olive oil and a pinch of sea salt The crumble should be chunky and sticky but not wet
- Combine Everything:
- Return your drained pasta to the skillet with the harissa sauce Toss vigorously If the sauce seems too thick splash in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky Every piece of pasta should be coated
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the pasta into bowls Scatter the date and almond crumble generously over the top Finish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and pass lemon wedges for squeezing at the table This makes a bright punchy finish everyone will love
Save The moment I first tossed the toasted almond crumble onto hot pasta there was a hush at the dinner table before the most satisfying crunch followed I always look forward to adding just a little extra lemon zest and a handful of herbs for that pop of freshness
Storage Tips
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container chilled for up to three days The almond date crumble can be stored separately at room temperature to preserve its crunch and then sprinkled just before serving To reheat add a splash of water and gently heat over low to regain silkiness
Ingredient Substitutions
No almonds Use roasted walnuts or pistachios instead To keep it nut free try sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of the almond crumble For a gluten free version simply swap in your favorite gluten free pasta shape
Serving Suggestions
Top with crumbled feta cheese or a scoop of yogurt for extra creaminess For a heartier meal pair with grilled halloumi or serve alongside roasted cauliflower This pasta also shines with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine
Cultural and Historical Context
Inspired by classic Moroccan flavors this dish is not traditional but borrows elements like harissa smoky cumin and caramelly dates Many Moroccan pasta dishes feature dried fruit and nuts for flavor and crunch This recipe celebrates that spirit in a weeknight friendly way
Seasonal Adaptations
Add roasted butternut squash or eggplant in colder months Swap in fresh chopped mint or basil in the summer for more brightness Top with pomegranate seeds for a festive fall or winter touch
A few helpful notes If harissa is very spicy, start with less and add to taste Always zest lemons before juicing to get the oils without a mess Save the crunchy pasta edges if any for lunch boxes next day
Success Stories
This pasta has impressed even skeptics who do not love spicy food The aromatic sauce mellows in the pan and the bright pop of lemon plus the sweet nutty crumble is a hit every time Friends have asked for the recipe after just one bite
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare the harissa sauce and freeze in a jar up to two months Thaw and toss with freshly cooked pasta whenever you need a fast meal Make the almond date crumble fresh for best texture
Save This recipe offers a delightful balance of spice, sweetness, and texture. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best with harissa sauce?
Tube-shaped varieties like rigatoni or penne hold the robust harissa sauce well and provide satisfying texture.
- → How spicy is the harissa in this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less harissa paste, catering to mild or bolder tastes.
- → Can I substitute almonds in the crumble?
Yes, pistachios or walnuts provide a similar crunchy texture and complement the spicy, sweet flavors.
- → Is this pasta suitable for vegans?
Absolutely—simply ensure the pasta and harissa contain no egg or dairy for a fully plant-based meal.
- → What herbs are best for garnish?
Fresh cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness that pairs well with the dish’s Moroccan-inspired notes.
- → Can the date and almond crumble be made ahead?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to use.