Description
Authentic Moroccan Harira is a soulful and restorative soup, deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition. This nourishing centerpiece combines tender beef with earthy brown lentils, protein-rich chickpeas, and a vibrant tomato broth infused with warm spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Its velvety texture and comforting layers of flavor make it the perfect hearth-warming dish to bring people together, whether for a quiet dinner or a special celebratory occasion.
Ingredients
350g veal or beef cubes (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions (finely diced)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup brown lentils (washed and drained)
800ml quality chicken or vegetable broth
540ml canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1/3 cup vermicelli pasta
2 ripe tomatoes (pureed)
1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
1 cup fresh parsley or cilantro (finely chopped)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes until browned.
Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste, ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, cooking until fragrant.
Add the pureed tomatoes, lentils, and broth, then bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until lentils are nearly tender.
Stir in the chickpeas and vermicelli, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until pasta is soft.
Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Harira tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to mingle. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. If adding rice instead of vermicelli, ensure you adjust the cooking time for the grain.