Omek Houria is a Tunisian carrot dip unlike anything I’ve ever had before. Ousamma, a viewer who submitted the recipe, described it perfectly: a vibrant orange explosion of flavor.

Ousamma shared a heartwarming story about this dish. They recalled a childhood summer when their grandmother transformed sun-dried peppers into harissa using a mortar and pestle. With that homemade harissa, she effortlessly made Omek Houria. “Simple, no fuss,” she’d say, leaving Ousamma bewildered by her unique definition of simplicity. Sharing a plate with loved ones, breaking bread and dipping it together, was a cherished tradition for them. It reminds them of home and family meals filled with laughter and joy.

Making Omek Houria is surprisingly easy to make. You boil carrots until tender, mash them (not too smooth or chunky – that was my biggest challenge!), and mix with harissa, vinegar, olive oil and fresh herbs. The result is a creamy, flavorful dip with a delightful sweetness from the carrots perfectly balanced by the harissa’s smoky heat.

This dip is also incredibly versatile. Ousamma serves it with tuna, olives, a soft-boiled egg, and capers. But you can totally customize it to your liking. I was honestly blown away by this humble yet insanely flavorful dip. The toppings make this orange dip even more inviting. The unexpected flavor was unlike anything I’d ever had and it instantly became a favorite. Plus, it’s gorgeous and easily customizable for vegetarians or vegans. The whole experience, from making it to devouring it, was a joy, and the final product lived up to the hype. It was beautiful, delicious, and definitely worth repeating. You have to try this vibrant Tunisian carrot dip!