Harira Soup
Harira is a flavorful Moroccan tomato-based soup made with stewed meat, chickpeas, lentils, fragrant herbs, and spices. This zesty soup is vital during Ramadan and makes an incredible dish during the colder months. Serve it with squeezed lemon wedges, dates, and dried figs on the side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Diced beef or lamb sirloin. Chicken giblets (gizzard, liver, heart, and neck) may be substituted.
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, grated
- 1 or 2 Celery sticks, blended (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp Salt (may need more)
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup Dry green or brown lentils (rinsed) (soaking is optional - please see notes)
- 3 Large tomatoes (blended)
- 4 cups Hot water (may need more)
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1/2 cup Dry chickpeas (soaked overnight and peeled) (you may use canned chickpeas - please see notes below)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 1/4 cup Vermicelli (optional)
Diluting the soup
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup lukewarm water
The Last Ingredients
- 1 Large egg (optional)
- 1/4 cup Freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
Cooking Harira
- Heat a large dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Put in the grated onion, blended celery, and olive oil, and saute for one minute. Add the diced meat, salt, pepper, ginger, and turmeric powder. Saute to brown the meat (about 3-5 minutes)
- Add the lentils and blended tomatoes. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Add 4 cups of hot water, a cinnamon stick, a pinch of saffron if using, and the chickpeas. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, checking on the water level constantly. (You may need 4-6 more cups along the way)
- In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 cup of soup broth. Add the mixture back to the pot and stir well. Add the vermicelli. Stir, cover, and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Diluting the Soup
- Mix 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with 1 cup lukewarm water in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture a little bit at a time to the soup to thicken it, stirring constantly. You may not need the whole amount of flour and may stop when you reach the desired consistency.
The Last Steps
- Beat one egg with a fork in a separate bowl. Add the beaten egg to the soup and constantly stir for 3 minutes.
- Add the freshly chopped cilantro and parsley. Turn the heat to low and let simmer for 3 minutes.
- Serve your Harira soup with Lemon wedges. Dates or dried figs taste fantastic as healthy sides!