CategorySoups, Vegetarian
Moroccan Harira Soup is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan but loved year-round. This tomato-based soup is packed with chickpeas, lentils, fresh herbs, and warming spices like cumin and cinnamon. It’s both nutritious and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal.
For the Soup Base
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 large tomatoes (peeled and blended) or 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
½ cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup vermicelli or broken angel hair pasta (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Juice of 1 lemon (plus wedges for serving)
Warm flatbread or crusty bread
Extra chopped cilantro and parsley
Lemon wedges
Sauté the Aromatics
1
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- Sauté the onions until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Spices and Tomatoes
2
- Toast the Spices:
- Add cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes:
- Add tomato paste and blended tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Soup
3
- Add the Chickpeas and Lentils:
- Stir in chickpeas and lentils.
- Pour in the Broth:
- Add vegetable or chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes (until lentils are tender).
Add the Pasta (Optional)
4
- Add Vermicelli or Pasta:
- Stir in vermicelli or broken angel hair pasta.
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice:
- Stir in cilantro, parsley, and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Serve and Garnish
5
- Ladle into Bowls:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and parsley.
- Add Lemon Wedges:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a tangy balance.
- Pair with Flatbread:
- Serve with warm Moroccan flatbread or crusty bread.
Pro Tips
6
- For a Thicker Soup: Blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in for a creamy texture.
- Make It Heartier: Add shredded chicken or lamb for extra protein.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Skip the pasta or replace it with gluten-free rice noodles.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 large tomatoes (peeled and blended) or 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
½ cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup vermicelli or broken angel hair pasta (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Juice of 1 lemon (plus wedges for serving)
Warm flatbread or crusty bread
Extra chopped cilantro and parsley
Lemon wedges
Directions
Sauté the Aromatics
1
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- Sauté the onions until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Spices and Tomatoes
2
- Toast the Spices:
- Add cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes:
- Add tomato paste and blended tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Soup
3
- Add the Chickpeas and Lentils:
- Stir in chickpeas and lentils.
- Pour in the Broth:
- Add vegetable or chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes (until lentils are tender).
Add the Pasta (Optional)
4
- Add Vermicelli or Pasta:
- Stir in vermicelli or broken angel hair pasta.
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon Juice:
- Stir in cilantro, parsley, and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Serve and Garnish
5
- Ladle into Bowls:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and parsley.
- Add Lemon Wedges:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a tangy balance.
- Pair with Flatbread:
- Serve with warm Moroccan flatbread or crusty bread.
Pro Tips
6
- For a Thicker Soup: Blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in for a creamy texture.
- Make It Heartier: Add shredded chicken or lamb for extra protein.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Skip the pasta or replace it with gluten-free rice noodles.
Notes
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