Appetizer · Late-Night · African ·

Spicy Algerian Merguez Sausage with Harissa Yogurt

Name: Spicy Algerian Merguez Sausage with Harissa Yogurt
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Lamb mince, 500g; Harissa paste, 1 tbsp; Cumin seeds, 1 tsp, toasted and ground; Coriander seeds, 1 tsp, toasted and ground; Paprika, 2 tsp; Cayenne pepper, 1 tsp; Garlic cloves, 2, minced; Salt & pepper, To taste; Plain yogurt, 200g; Harissa paste, 1 tbsp; Lemon juice, 1 tbsp; Salt, To taste; Warm pita bread; Fresh mint leaves, For garnish

Delight your taste buds with this authentic Algerian Merguez Sausage paired with a tangy and spicy Harissa Yogurt sauce.

4.5(985 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 4, 2025

Spicy Algerian Merguez Sausage with Harissa Yogurt — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Merguez Sausage

For the Harissa Yogurt Sauce

For Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 453 kcal
Protein: 31.5 g
Carbs: 13.8 g
Fat: 29.5 g
Fiber: 1.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1813 kcal
Protein: 126.1 g
Carbs: 55.2 g
Fat: 118.1 g
Fiber: 6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Lamb mince 500g	1450	110	0	110	0
Harissa paste 1 tbsp	15	0.5	2	0.5	0.5
Cumin seeds 1 tsp, toasted and ground	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.4
Coriander seeds 1 tsp, toasted and ground	8	0.3	1.4	0.3	0.7
Paprika 2 tsp	12	0.6	2.4	0.5	1.8
Cayenne pepper 1 tsp	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.8
Garlic cloves 2, minced	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
Salt & pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Plain yogurt 200g	120	8	9	5	0
Harissa paste 1 tbsp	15	0.5	2	0.5	0.5
Lemon juice 1 tbsp	4	0	1	0	0.1
Salt To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Warm pita bread	165	5	33	1	1.5
Fresh mint leaves For garnish	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1

These estimates are not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Merguez

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine lamb mince with harissa paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, and minced garlic.
Tip: Handle spices carefully to avoid irritation of eyes and skin.
2
Season and mix
Season with salt and pepper, and mix until well-combined.
3
Chill mixture
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Tip: Allow the sausage mixture to marinate overnight for an intensified flavor profile.

Preparing the Harissa Yogurt Sauce

1
Whisk sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, harissa paste, lemon juice, and salt.
2
Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3
Chill sauce
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to Make Spicy Algerian Merguez Sausage with Harissa Yogurt

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grill Merguez
Shape the marinated lamb mixture into sausages and grill on medium-high heat until fully cooked and charred, about 10–12 minutes.
2
Warm pita
Wrap the pita bread in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes.
3
Assemble
Spread a generous amount of harissa yogurt on the pita, place cooked sausages, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.