Harira

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that’s hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Often enjoyed during the month of Ramadan to break the fast, Harira is a rich, tomato-based soup brimming with lentils, chickpeas, and tender pieces of meat, typically lamb or beef. It’s seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, which give the soup its distinctive warmth. A touch of fresh herbs, such as cilantro and parsley, brightens the dish, while a squeeze of lemon adds a perfect tangy finish. Harira is more than just a soup; it’s a nourishing meal in a bowl, perfect for cool evenings or when you need a comforting dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) or 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup dried lentils
• 200g lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chopped celery, including leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 cups water or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup flour (for thickening, optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and golden.
2. Add the Meat: Add the lamb or beef cubes to the pot and brown on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, parsley, and cilantro. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Legumes: Add the soaked chickpeas and lentils to the pot. Pour in the water or broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas and lentils are tender.
5. Thicken the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the soup. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
7. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon on the side. Harira is traditionally served with dates or sweet pastries on the side, especially during Ramadan.

Enjoy your flavorful and nourishing bowl of Harira!