Whoever said Jewish food isn’t spicy hadn’t done their research. Sure, stereotypically a certain group of Jews are known to struggle with spice (cough, Ashkenazim, cough), but, hello! Jews settled all over the world, engaging and embracing local ingredients and cooking habits, chillis very much included.
From versatile North African harissa, a brick-red pepper paste, to Yemenite zhug, a herbaceous hot sauce, there’s a range of tongue-tingling ingredients in the global Jewish kitchen to add a kick to any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a condiment to amp up the flavor, a Shabbat dish to bring the heat, a fiery start to your Jewish New Year or, simply, a tasty weeknight dinner, I’ve rounded up 22 spicy Jewish recipes to cater to any taste or request. Go on, broaden your culinary horizons! It’s never too late to try something new.
Of course, if you are one of those people who struggles with spice (or someone who can’t get enough!), you can adapt the recipes accordingly.
If you whip up one of these spicy dishes, share the love by rating the recipe. This helps other readers find us, and enhances our community.
Sheet Pan Shakshuka
This sheet pan take on a beloved North African breakfast dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Matbucha
This North African tomato and pepper spread is versatile and delicious.
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Labneh
Smoky blistered shishito peppers served over creamy labneh, topped with flaky salt, sumac and lemon zest.
Harissa Bloody Mary Recipe
Add some Middle Eastern spice to Sunday morning cocktails.
Easy Moroccan Carrot Salad
This zingy salad has it all: flavor, crunch and it can be prepared ahead of time. (Red pepper flakes optional but encouraged.)
Grilled Eggplant with Chermoula
A fresh, punchy summer side.
White Bean Soup
A simple-but-delicious bean soup topped with zingy Yemenite hot sauce.
Harissa Lamb Meatballs
Add a bed of couscous and you’ve got a perfect weeknight dinner.
Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe with Sumac and Hot Honey
Meet your new go-to weeknight dinner.
Harissa Salmon Niçoise Salad
A fresh, summery dinner.
Za’atar Fried Chicken with Spicy Thyme Honey
This American comfort food classic gets an Israeli twist with plenty of za’atar and fresh thyme.
Mexican Shakshuka Recipe
Traditional Mexican flavors compliment this beloved Israeli breakfast dish.
Sweet ‘n Spicy Sweet Potato Soup
A simple, flavorful soup that always hits the spot.
Tunisian Spicy Fish (Chraimeh)
Perfect for the holidays, think of this dish as the Mizrahi replacement of gefilte fish.
Roast Chicken with Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce
For summer, or anytime you want to imagine you’re on vacation.
Spicy Mexican-Inspired Cholent
Cholent with a kick.
Spicy Israeli Salsa
Spice up your vegetables.
Zhug
It’s easy to see why this herbaceous, zesty hot sauce is a staple in the Yemenite kitchen.
Lamb Tzimmes with Apricots and Harissa
A decadent take on a classic holiday dish.
Moroccan Fish Balls
A novel take on a traditional chraime recipe.
Chrain (Horseradish)
This spicy relish, traditionally made out of beets and horseradish, is so much better homemade.
Ramp Zhug
Make the most of ramp season!
