Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of Morocco with a single spoonful of Hajar's Harira - a soup so rich in flavor and tradition that it will make your taste buds dance with delight! This isn't just another soup; it's a hearty, aromatic masterpiece that has warmed the hearts of generations. Imagine a bowl filled with tender lentils, protein-packed chickpeas, and a symphony of spices that tell a story of Moroccan culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly evening or wanting to impress your dinner guests with an exotic dish, this Harira recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the chopped celery and carrot to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the lentils and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- After the lentils are cooked, stir in the cooked chickpeas and let them heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Harira hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy this hearty Moroccan soup with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips
- Spice is the heart of this recipe - toast your spices briefly to release their maximum flavor potential before adding other ingredients.
- Use fresh spices if possible. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric that are less than 6 months old will provide the most vibrant taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Allowing onions, celery, and carrots to soften slowly develops a deeper flavor profile.
- For an even more authentic touch, consider soaking dried chickpeas overnight instead of using canned.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
