moroccan harira soup recipe

The Best moroccan harira soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: Moroccan Harira Soup. This hearty, comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. Harira is a traditional North African soup that’s made with a flavorful broth, tender chunks of meat, and a blend of aromatic spices.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them – they can’t get enough of the rich, savory flavors and the fun process of watching the soup simmer away on the stovetop.

As an added bonus, Harira is also incredibly healthy. The soup is made with lean beef or chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a generous amount of aromatic spices that are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Plus, the broth is made with low-sodium chicken or beef stock, which makes it perfect for families who are watching their sodium intake.

One of the things I love most about Harira is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, or use it as a base for other soups or stews. I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread or over couscous for a more filling meal.

I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe over the years, but I always come back to this classic version. It’s just so delicious and comforting – perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. If you’re new to making soups from scratch, don’t worry – Harira is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

And if you’re short on time, you can even make it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later.

Moroccan Harira Soup

4.5 from 1149 votes

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup, typically served during Ramadan. It is a hearty and flavorful soup made with lamb, lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of vegetables.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broth

1 lb lamb shoulder, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp saffron threads
6 cups beef broth
2 cups water

For the Soup Base

1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Juice of 1 lemon

For Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup toasted almonds
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine lamb, onion, garlic, and ginger.
2Cook over medium-high heat until lamb is browned and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4Add cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and saffron to the pot.
5Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Add beef broth and water, and bring to a boil.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes, or until lamb is tender.
8Add lentils, chickpeas, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini to the pot.
9Stir well to combine.
10Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until lentils and chickpeas are tender and vegetables are soft.
11Stir in cilantro, parsley, mint, and lemon juice.
12Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
13Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
14The soup should be thick and flavorful, with a rich aroma.
15Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, mint, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and dried apricots.
16Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute chicken or beef for lamb if preferred. For a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

I always keep this recipe in mind when planning family gatherings or even just a regular dinner at home. It’s a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The soup can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy families. Leftover soup can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

I recommend serving it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also a great option for a potluck or gathering, as it can feed a large group and is always a crowd-pleaser.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Moroccan Harira Soup

What type of protein should I use in my Harira?

In traditional Moroccan cuisine, Harira is typically made with lamb or beef. However, you can easily substitute these meats with chicken or turkey for a leaner option.

Can I make Harira in advance?

Yes! One of the best things about Harira is that it freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat it on the stovetop.

How do I store leftover Harira?

For short-term storage (up to 3 days), keep leftover Harira in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer-term storage (up to 3 months), freeze it as described above.

Can I add other vegetables to my Harira?

Of course! Feel free to add any combination of your favorite vegetables – such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini – to make the soup more substantial.

What’s the best way to reheat Harira?

The best way to reheat Harira is on the stovetop over low heat. Simply add some additional liquid (such as water or broth) if needed to prevent burning.

Can I make Harira vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables – such as chickpeas or lentils – for protein.

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