Moroccan Harira Soup

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Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

  • 1/2 pound (about 250g) lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or use canned)
  • 1/2 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 cups water or beef broth

For the Thickening:

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup water

For Serving:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Dates or dried fruits (traditional accompaniment)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Soup Base:
    • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the lamb or beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
    • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cilantro, parsley, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    • Add the soaked chickpeas (if using dried), lentils, and all the spices: turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together well.
  2. Simmer the Soup:
    • Pour in the water or beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
    • Cover and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat and chickpeas are tender. If using canned chickpeas, add them later in the cooking process (about 20 minutes before serving).
  3. Thicken the Soup:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 cup of water until smooth.
    • Gradually pour the flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
    • Continue to cook the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.
  4. Final Touches:
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
    • Stir in additional chopped cilantro just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
  5. Serve the Harira:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro.
    • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing into the soup, adding a fresh citrusy note.
    • Traditionally, Harira is served with dates or dried fruits on the side, which complements the savory soup beautifully.

Tips:

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead. Add more lentils or chickpeas to make the soup heartier.
  • Tomato Variations: Some versions of Harira include more tomatoes, giving the soup a richer, redder color. Adjust the amount of tomato paste or fresh tomatoes to your taste.
  • Spice Adjustments: Moroccan cuisine is known for its complex spice blends. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your palate, adding more cinnamon for sweetness or ginger for heat.

Harira is a comforting and nourishing soup, often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast, but it’s delicious any time of year. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this traditional Moroccan dish!

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