Table of Contents
Introduction
Harira soup is a traditional Moroccan soup that holds a special place in Moroccan cuisine, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with a combination of lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, creating a warm and comforting dish.
Harira soup is not only rich in nutrients but also offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it an ideal choice as a starter or a main meal.
Ingredients of Harira soup (Serves 6 people)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup green or brown lentils
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1.5 liters of vegetable or chicken broth
1/4 cup vermicelli noodles (optional)
1/2 cup flour mixed with water to form a paste (to thicken)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Méthode de préparation
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the Spices:
- Stir in turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, and paprika. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing their flavors to release.
Add Lentils and Broth:
- Add the lentils, chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Add Vermicelli and Thicken:
- If using, add the vermicelli noodles during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Gradually stir in the flour paste, mixing continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
Final Touches:
- Stir in the fresh cilantro and parsley. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the harira hot with lemon wedges on the side, allowing each person to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy finish.
Time Required
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
For more Moroccan-inspired dishes, check out our recipe for Moroccan Msemen: Ingredients and Preparation Method 2024
Servings
- This recipe serves 6 people, making it a great option for family gatherings or to enjoy throughout the week.
Additional Tips
- To add more richness, some versions of harira include small pieces of lamb or beef. Simply brown the meat with the onions at the start.
- Harira soup is often served with dates or chebakia (a traditional Moroccan sesame cookie) during Ramadan.
Conclusion
- This Moroccan Harira Soup is a satisfying and flavorful dish, perfect for breaking the fast or enjoying on a chilly evening. Packed with wholesome ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and vibrant spices, this traditional soup is sure to warm both body and soul. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness!
Its like you read my mind You appear to know so much about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit but other than that this is fantastic blog A great read Ill certainly be back
Hello.
Good cheer to all on this beautiful day!!!!!
Good luck 🙂