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Harira

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Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. It’s a hearty, nourishing dish often enjoyed to break the fast during Ramadan.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 ripe tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup green or brown lentils
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup vermicelli or 1/3 cup rice (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook for 3–5 minutes to combine and thicken slightly.
  3. Add lentils, chickpeas, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, pepper, and broth or water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  5. If using, add vermicelli or rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Notes

  • For a traditional version, add cubed lamb or beef with the vegetables and simmer until tender.
  • Use canned lentils or chickpeas to reduce cooking time, but add later to avoid mushiness.
  • Thicken with a slurry of flour and water if a heartier texture is desired.
  • Add cayenne pepper or harissa if you prefer a spicy version.
  • Freeze without pasta for best texture when reheated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/harira/