Moroccan Harira Soup

Traditional Moroccan Harira Soup: A Flavorful Journey into Moroccan Cuisine

Introduction:

Discover the comforting and flavorful Moroccan tradition of Harira soup—a rich, hearty, and aromatic dish that has been enjoyed by generations. This flavorful soup is a perfect combination of tender meat, chickpeas, lentils, and a blend of warming spices, making it a popular choice during Ramadan and beyond. Learn how to make this traditional Moroccan soup with our easy-to-follow recipe, and experience the tastes of Morocco in your own kitchen.

What is Moroccan Harira Soup?

Harira is a classic Moroccan soup made from simple, fresh ingredients, but it’s anything but ordinary. With its deep flavors and satisfying textures, Harira has become a symbol of Moroccan hospitality, often served to break the fast during Ramadan. This soup combines rich tomatoes, protein-packed lentils and chickpeas, and tender meat with a fragrant mix of spices that reflect the heart of Moroccan cuisine.

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Ingredients for Moroccan Harira Soup:

To prepare this authentic Moroccan Harira soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g Beef or Lamb (cut into cubes)
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 cup dried lentils
• Fresh parsley (a handful, chopped)
• Fresh cilantro (a handful, chopped)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of saffron (optional)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup olive oil
• Water (as needed)

Preparation Steps :

Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering, traditional soup:

1. Prepare the Base:

• Begin by placing the tomatoes and onion in a large pot over low heat. Allow them to soften and release their flavors, stirring occasionally.
• Once the tomatoes and onions are cooked, transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. This will be the rich base of your soup.

2. Cook the Soup:

• In another large pot, add the blended mixture from step one.
• Add the chickpeas, lentils, beef or lamb, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, and black pepper).
• Stir everything together and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• After 5 minutes, add 1 cup of olive oil to the pot and cover it. Allow the ingredients to cook for a while, absorbing all the flavors.

3. Add Water and Simmer:

• After a few minutes, pour in enough water to cover the soup. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes or until the meat and legumes are tender. You can add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

4. Thicken the Soup:

• In a blender, combine flour, a little water, and tomato paste. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
• Gradually add this paste to the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. This step will thicken the soup to its signature rich consistency.

5. Final Touches:

• Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to fully incorporate the flour paste.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or more spices according to your preference.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the piping hot Harira soup into bowls.
• Serve with traditional Moroccan bread for dipping. The combination of the rich soup and warm bread is a truly comforting experience.

Why You’ll Love Moroccan Harira Soup:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of meat, chickpeas, lentils, and spices creates a rich, savory taste that is deeply satisfying.
• Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, Harira is a nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
• Cultural Tradition: Harira is more than just a soup—it’s part of Moroccan hospitality and a beloved dish for family gatherings, especially during Ramadan.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer lamb or beef, or want to try a vegetarian version, Harira can easily be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences.

Tips for the Perfect Harira Soup:

• Soak the chickpeas: If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time.
• Adjust the spices: Moroccan spices can be adjusted to your taste—feel free to experiment with more ginger, cinnamon, or turmeric if you love bold flavors.
• Make it ahead of time: Harira tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to deepen. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a quick and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re making this rich and flavorful Moroccan Harira soup for the first time or you’re already a fan, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the authentic taste of Morocco in your own kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients and a blend of spices that will transport you straight to the heart of Moroccan culture. Don’t forget to serve it with warm bread for the ultimate comforting meal!

Enjoy making this traditional Moroccan Harira soup and indulge in a meal that is both heartwarming and flavorful!

FAQs About Moroccan Harira Soup

1. What is Moroccan Harira soup?
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and tender pieces of meat—usually lamb or beef—seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. It’s known for its rich flavor and comforting texture.

2. When is Harira usually served?
Harira is most commonly enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan to break the fast at iftar. However, it’s also served year-round as a nourishing meal or appetizer.

3. Can I make Harira without meat?
Yes, you can prepare a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. The lentils and chickpeas still make it hearty and satisfying.

4. How do I thicken Harira soup?
Traditionally, Harira is thickened using a flour-and-water mixture called tedouira. It’s added toward the end of cooking to achieve the soup’s signature creamy consistency.

Print Recipe

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5 from 1 vote

Moroccan Harira Soup

Author: marrakechflavors Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: Moroccan Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: M Moroccan cuisine M Moroccan soup

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 20

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Moroccan Harira soup is a rich, flavorful dish that brings together tender beef or lamb, chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron. This hearty soup is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, often served to break the fast during Ramadan, but it’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and packed with nourishing ingredients, Harira offers a warm, comforting meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Morocco. Enjoy with fresh, warm bread for a truly authentic experience!

Ingredients:

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 
  4 u tomatoes (4 ripe tomatoes)
• 
  250 g Lamb (Beef or Lamb cut into cube)
• 
  1 u onion (1 large onion (finely chopped))
• 
  1 Cup chickpeas (dried chickpeas)
• 
  1 Cup lentils (dried lentils)
• 
  --- ---- parsley (Fresh parsley (a handful, chopped))
• 
  -- --- cilantro (Fresh cilantro (a handful, chopped))
• 
  1 Spoon Turmeric
• 
  1 Spoon ginger (ground ginger)
• 
  1,5 l water
• 
  1 Spoon Black pepper
• 
  1 Cup Oil (olive oil)
• 
  1 spoon cinnamon
• 
  1 Pinch saffron ((optional))
• 
  2 spoon tomato paste (tomato paste)
• 
  1 Cup flour

Instructions:

step 1

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Begin by placing the tomatoes and onion in a large pot over low heat. Allow them to soften and release their flavors, stirring occasionally.
   • Once the tomatoes and onions are cooked, transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. This will be the rich base of your soup.

Step 2

1. Cook the Soup:

   • In another large pot, add the blended mixture from step one.
   • Add the chickpeas, lentils, beef or lamb, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, and black pepper).
   • Stir everything together and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   • After 5 minutes, add 1 cup of olive oil to the pot and cover it. Allow the ingredients to cook for a while, absorbing all the flavors.

Step 3

1. Add Water and Simmer:

   After a few minutes, pour in enough water to cover the soup. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes or until the meat and legumes are tender. You can add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 4

1. Thicken the Soup:

   • In a blender, combine flour, a little water, and tomato paste. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
   • Gradually add this paste to the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. This step will thicken the soup to its signature rich consistency.

Step 5

1. 5. Final Touches:

   • Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to fully incorporate the flour paste.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or more spices according to your preference.

step 6

1. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the piping hot Harira soup into bowls.
   • Serve with traditional Moroccan bread for dipping. The combination of the rich soup and warm bread is a truly comforting experience.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 948.14kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 67.99g105%

Saturated Fat 17.8g89%

Trans Fat 0.14g

Cholesterol 32.08mg11%

Sodium 88.44mg4%

Potassium 919.5mg27%

Total Carbohydrate 66.89g23%

Dietary Fiber 11.29g46%

Sugars 8.17g

Protein 21.26g43%

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Vitamin A 80.71 IU

Vitamin C 25.3 mg

Calcium 95.4 mg

Iron 5.96 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 7.76 IU

Vitamin K 143.11 mcg

Thiamin 0.54 mg

Riboflavin 0.23 mg

Niacin 3.2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.53 mg

Folate 373.26 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.44 mcg

Phosphorus 269.53 mg

Magnesium 75.23 mg

Zinc 2.98 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: beef, lamb, chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, onion, parsley, cilantro, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, black pepper, flour, tomato paste, olive oil, water, Moroccan soup, Ramadan recipe, Moroccan cuisine, hearty soup, traditional recipe, comfort food.

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