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.

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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.

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!

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

Print Recipe

Delicious

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%

---

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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