HARISSA BUTTER BEAN SPREAD

I love me some North African flavours. This rich, intensely flavoured bean spread is absolutely delicious and versatile - perfect in sandwiches, on toast, flat bread and even crackers.

It's important to cook off the spices in order to properly release the flavours. You'll be left with earthy, smoky tones. The taste is bold - just how I like my food - and its the ideal thing to have on hand when those savoury food cravings kick in.

Feel free to use other types of beans - kidney, black-eyed beans, adzuki, etc.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients

- 1 tbsp coconut oil

- 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)

- 1 tsp harissa paste
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried ginger
- 1/2 tsp dried garlic

- 1 tbsp tomato purée

- 1 tin butter beans (drained)

- 1/4 cup lemon juice

- salt/pepper to taste

- Fresh mint (optional)

Fry the chopped onion in coconut oil (medium-high heat), then add the harissa paste, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic and tomato purée. Keep stirring for a couple of minutes to release all the spice flavours. Add the butter beans, lemon juice and seasoning (to taste). Cook for a further 2 minutes.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl and mash until you reach a spreadable consistency. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.

Spread on toast, crackers or flat bread and finish off with some chopped fresh herbs such as mint, if you have any lying around.

Keeps for 3 days in the fridge.