Harira: The Hearty Moroccan Soup Bursting with Spices and Soul
Harira is Morocco’s beloved tomato-based soup filled with tender lamb or beef, lentils, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warming spices. It’s both a comfort food and a celebratory dish, served to break the fast during Ramadan and loved by all year round.
🥕 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb lamb or beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup lentils
- ½ cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 5 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
🔥 Instructions
Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and meat, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the meat is browned and the veggies are soft.
Build the Flavor: Stir in the grated tomato, tomato paste, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 2–3 minutes to release the spices.
Simmer the Soup: Add lentils, chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, until the meat is tender and the lentils are cooked.
Thicken It: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the soup and simmer for another 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Final Touches: Stir in the beaten egg in a slow stream while stirring the soup to create ribbons. Add fresh herbs and lemon juice. Simmer 2 more minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Harira
- 🍖 Stew Meat – Grass-Fed or Halal Cuts – Tender lamb or beef makes this dish rich and satisfying.
- 🍲 Moroccan Spice Blend – Get the perfect balance of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and more.
- 🥫 Canned Chickpeas – Essential for a hearty texture and traditional flavor.
- 🥄 Ladle and Soup Pot Set – A solid pot makes simmering easy and mess-free.
- 🍋 Citrus Juicer – For that final splash of brightness from fresh lemon juice.
💡 Helpful Tip: Harira tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week. Serve it with warm pita or dates for a traditional touch.