moroccan soup harira recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best moroccan soup harira recipe

I’ve been making Moroccan Harira soup for years, and it’s still a family favorite. This hearty soup is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, and its rich flavor is a perfect blend of spices and herbs. The dish is believed to have originated in the 7th century, when Berber tribes used it as a nourishing meal during long desert journeys.

Over time, it has evolved to become a beloved comfort food throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The flavor of Harira is incredibly complex, with a deep, slightly sweet taste that’s both soothing and invigorating. It’s made with a combination of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, which are sautéed with onions and garlic to create a fragrant base.

Then, chickpeas, tomatoes, and beef broth are added to create a thick, velvety texture. Finally, the soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to bring out its full flavor. One of the things I love most about Harira is its versatility.

It’s just as delicious served hot or cold, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. You can also customize it to suit your tastes by adding other ingredients like chickpeas or extra spices. My kids love helping me make this soup because they can add their favorite toppings like croutons or chopped fresh parsley.

As for me, I appreciate the ease of making Harira. The recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be cooked in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – packed with fiber-rich chickpeas and antioxidants from the tomatoes and spices.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or just need something quick and easy to get on the table, Harira is an excellent choice.

Moroccan Harira Soup

4.8 from 1999 votes

A traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. It is hearty, comforting, and often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Soup

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked vermicelli or broken spaghetti
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne if using, cilantro, and parsley.
4Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5Add the soaked chickpeas, lentils, crushed tomatoes, and broth to the pot.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
7Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas and lentils are tender.
8The soup will thicken slightly.
9Stir in the vermicelli or broken spaghetti and continue to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
10The soup should be thick but still soupy.
11Season with salt to taste and stir in the lemon juice.
12Ladle the hot harira into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
13Serve immediately with crusty bread or dates on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade broth. Soaking chickpeas overnight reduces cooking time. You can substitute vermicelli with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.

Watch Video Of How Moroccan Harira Soup Works

Harira is a soup that always works, whether for a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends. I love that I can make it ahead of time and it only gets better the next day. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

When reheating, add a little broth or water to loosen it up, and warm it over medium heat on the stove. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For serving, I like to set out small bowls of lemon wedges, fresh cilantro, and warm bread so everyone can customize their bowl.

This soup is also wonderful for freezing, so I often double the batch and save half for a busy week. It is one of those recipes that feels both special and comforting, and it always gets compliments. I hope you enjoy making it for your family as much as I do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Moroccan Harira Soup

Q: What is Harira?

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, beef broth or water.

Q: Is Harira spicy?

No! While some recipes may include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for added heat, traditional Harira recipes do not contain any spicy ingredients.

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas?

Sure thing! Canned chickpeas will save you time but fresh ones taste better.

Q: How long does Harira keep in the fridge?

You can store cooked Harira in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze Harira?

Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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