Teresa's Recipes
Moroccan Harira Soup
Harira, a beloved Moroccan soup, is a vibrant blend of hearty lentils, creamy chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, all simmered together with fragrant spices. Traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan, this nourishing dish is not only comforting but also packed with flavor. The addition of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and depth, making it an irresistible bowl of goodness that warms both the heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (adjust for spiciness) Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1, juiced Lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4, diced Fresh tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Canned chickpeas
- 1 cup, rinsed Red lentils
- 1, diced Carrot
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced celery and carrot to the pot, cooking until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the red lentils, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped herbs and a slice of lemon on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can add a smoked paprika or a dash of harissa for an extra kick.
- Feel free to incorporate any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
- This soup can be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based, and it's perfect for meal prep as it freezes well!