Deliciously Hearty Harira: A Traditional Moroccan Soup Recipe

Harira Soup Recipe

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that is hearty and flavorful, often enjoyed during Ramadan. It combines lentils, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices in a rich tomato broth. Here’s a detailed recipe to make this comforting dish.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 7 cups vegetable or chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• ¼ cup long-grain rice or broken vermicelli noodles (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Stir in the celery and garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add Spices:
   • Add the ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Add Legumes:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add both types of lentils and chickpeas. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer:
   • Reduce heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
6. Add Pasta:
   • If using rice or vermicelli noodles, add them to the pot and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until they are cooked through.
7. Season:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

This recipe can be adjusted based on personal preferences; you can add meat such as lamb or beef if desired. Enjoy your homemade Harira!