harira soup moroccan recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best harira soup moroccan recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich flavors and aromas of international cuisine, and one dish that has captured my heart is Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup. This hearty stew is made with a combination of aromatic spices, vegetables, and chickpeas, all simmered in a rich broth. The moment I took my first sip, I knew I had to share this recipe with my family and friends.

It’s perfect for a cold winter night or as a comforting meal any time of the year. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and stirring the pot as it cooks. The best part is that Harira is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

It’s also packed with nutrients, thanks to the chickpeas, vegetables, and lean meat. This recipe is a staple in our household and never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, Harira is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

I love how it warms up our home on chilly days and brings everyone together around the dinner table. The smell of cumin and coriander wafting from the kitchen is like a warm hug on a cold day. My family can’t get enough of this delicious soup!

We’ve enjoyed it for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, and even as a quick lunch. It’s become a part of our daily routine, and I’m so glad we discovered it.

Harira Soup Moroccan Recipe

4.6 from 749 votes

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup, typically served during Ramadan. It is a hearty and comforting dish made with a variety of vegetables, lentils, and chickpeas, seasoned with warm spices.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hr 40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hr
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup chickpeas, soaked and drained
1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed
1/2 cup barley, rinsed
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1/4 tsp turmeric
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot over medium heat, combine onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3Add diced tomato, zucchini, chickpeas, lentils, and barley to the pot.
4Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables are well coated.
6Add tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, saffron, and turmeric to the pot.
7Stir well to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
8Pour in the vegetable broth and water.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the lentils and barley are tender and the flavors have melded together.
11Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
12Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
14If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Harira soup is traditionally served with dates and chebakia, a Moroccan sesame cookie. You can garnish the soup with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

This recipe never fails to impress my family and friends with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike! With its high nutritional value from chickpeas, vegetables, lean meat (if using), this recipe is always a good idea for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Harira Soup Moroccan

Q: What are the key ingredients in Harira soup?

The main ingredients in Harira soup include chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, beef or lamb (optional), potatoes (optional), and sometimes rice or bread for serving.

Q: Can I customize Harira to suit my dietary needs?

Yes! You can easily make Harira vegan by substituting the beef or lamb with plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free paprika and omit the bread for serving.

Q: How long does it take to prepare Harira?

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare; you’ll need about 30 minutes to chop the vegetables and cook them in olive oil before adding the remaining ingredients.

Q: Is Harira suitable for children?

Harira makes an excellent meal for kids due to its comforting texture and flavor profile.

Q: Can I store leftover Harira safely?

Avoid storing leftover Harira at room temperature for more than 2 hours; instead refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-5 days.

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