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Moroccan Harira Soup

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins

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.

Moroccan Harira Soup

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.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size