Harira is a beloved and comforting soup from Morocco, famous for its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and warming properties. It’s often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast, but it’s also perfect for any time you need a cozy, filling meal. This traditional soup is made with a variety of nutritious ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, creating a delicious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. If you’re looking to try something new or bring a taste of Morocco to your kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress!
🥕 Ingredients:
✔️ 1 cup lentils 🫘
✔️ 1/2 cup chickpeas 🌰 (soaked overnight)
✔️ 250g meat (beef or lamb) 🥩 (optional but adds depth to the flavor)
✔️ 1 onion 🧅 (chopped)
✔️ 2 tomatoes 🍅 (blended)
✔️ 2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
✔️ 1/2 cup vermicelli 🍜
✔️ 1/4 cup flour 🌾 (mixed with water to thicken the soup)
✔️ 1/2 cup celery 🌿 (chopped)
✔️ 1/2 cup parsley & cilantro 🌱 (chopped for garnish)
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
✔️ 1 tsp turmeric, ginger, cinnamon 🧂 (the key spices that give the soup its signature taste)
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
✔️ 6 cups water 💦
👩🍳 Steps:
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. If you’re using meat, add the beef or lamb to the pot and sauté it until it begins to brown. If you’re skipping the meat, just proceed with the next steps. Add the chopped onion and cook it for a few minutes until it softens. The onion is the base for the soup, bringing sweetness and depth to the dish.
Next, add the spices — turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. These spices are the heart of Harira and give the soup its vibrant, aromatic flavor. Stir them into the onions and meat (if using) to let them bloom and release their fragrant oils. Let this mixture cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the spices.
2️⃣ Add the Tomatoes & Other Ingredients:
Once the onions and spices have cooked down, add the blended tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. The tomatoes are going to provide a rich, tangy base for the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The goal is to develop a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.
After that, it’s time to add the lentils, chickpeas, and water. Make sure you’ve soaked the chickpeas overnight to ensure they cook properly and soften nicely. Lentils cook relatively quickly, so don’t worry about them being soaked. Add everything to the pot, give it a good stir, and bring it to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the lentils and chickpeas to soften to the right texture.
3️⃣ Thicken the Soup:
After the soup has simmered for about 40 minutes, it will have developed a nice, flavorful broth. To thicken it, mix the flour with a little bit of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. The flour will help to create a creamy, velvety texture. Keep stirring to make sure there are no lumps, and continue cooking the soup for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
4️⃣ Add the Vermicelli:
Now it’s time to add the vermicelli! Break the noodles into smaller pieces if needed and stir them into the soup. Let the soup cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the vermicelli is fully cooked and tender. The vermicelli adds a nice texture to the soup and makes it even more filling.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Once the soup is ready, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot Harira into bowls and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and cilantro. These herbs add a refreshing and aromatic note to the dish, balancing out the warmth of the spices and the richness of the soup. Harira is traditionally served with dates and chebakia, a sweet Moroccan pastry, which complement the savory and spicy flavors of the soup.
🔥 Enjoy the Taste of Morocco! 🇲🇦💕
There you have it — a hearty bowl of traditional Moroccan Harira soup! This rich and flavorful dish is the perfect meal for any occasion, but especially for Ramadan when it is served to break the fast. Its combination of lentils, chickpeas, and meat (if you choose) makes it nourishing and filling, while the blend of spices adds warmth and depth to every spoonful.
Why Harira Is a Favorite in Morocco:
Harira isn’t just a soup; it’s a symbol of Moroccan culture and hospitality. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s shared with family during Ramadan or enjoyed on a cold day with loved ones. The beauty of Harira lies in its balance — it’s both comforting and refreshing, with a perfect harmony of flavors that make it a standout dish in Moroccan cuisine.
This soup also has deep cultural significance, particularly during Ramadan. It is traditionally eaten to break the fast at Iftar (the evening meal after sunset), as it provides the body with essential nutrients and hydration after a long day of fasting. The combination of lentils, chickpeas, and meat offers protein and fiber, while the spices give energy and warmth to help ease the transition from fasting to eating.
🌱 Variations of Harira Soup:
While the recipe provided here is the traditional way to make Harira, there are many regional variations across Morocco. Some versions may include additional ingredients like dried apricots or fresh lemon juice for a hint of sweetness and tang. In other areas, the soup may be spicier, with added chili peppers or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of Harira, you can easily skip the meat and add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more flavor. Harira is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with ingredients and spices to make it your own.
🍲 Tips for the Perfect Harira:
- Soak the Chickpeas: Always soak your chickpeas overnight for the best texture and to reduce cooking time. This step is essential, as dried chickpeas can take a long time to cook through if not pre-soaked.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more flour slurry to achieve your desired consistency. If you like it more soupy, you can add a little more water and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Serve with Moroccan Bread: In Morocco, Harira is typically served with traditional Moroccan bread, which is perfect for dipping into the rich broth. If you don’t have access to Moroccan bread, any type of crusty bread will work well.
- Make Ahead: Harira actually tastes better the next day! The flavors continue to develop, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or for serving a crowd. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Spice it to Your Taste: While turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger are the classic spices in Harira, don’t be afraid to play with the flavor profile. Some versions may add saffron for extra richness, or even a dash of paprika for a smoky kick.
🌟 Conclusion:
Moroccan Harira soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. With its blend of spices, legumes, and tender meat (if included), it offers comfort, nourishment, and warmth, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re observing Ramadan or simply craving a bowl of soul-soothing soup, Harira is sure to deliver.
So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Morocco right in your own kitchen. Bon appétit! 🍲
