📝 About This Recipe
Harira is the soul of Moroccan cuisine, traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan but cherished year-round for its incredible depth of flavor. This naturally dairy-free soup combines earthy lentils, buttery chickpeas, and a bright tomato base infused with a fragrant bouquet of ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Its signature silky texture and zesty finish make it a comforting, nutrient-dense masterpiece that warms you from the inside out.
🥗 Ingredients
The Aromatic Base
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion (very finely diced or grated)
- 2 stalks Celery (finely diced, including leaves)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (finely grated)
Legumes and Texture
- 3/4 cup Dried Brown or Green Lentils (rinsed and picked over)
- 15 ounce can Cooked Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Broken Vermicelli Pasta (or fine angel hair pasta)
The Spices and Liquid
- 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 cups Crushed Tomatoes (canned or fresh pureed)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
- 1.5 teaspoons Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
The Tedouira (Thickener) and Finishing
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose Flour (mixed with 1/2 cup water)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 whole Lemon (juiced, plus extra wedges for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
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2
Stir in the grated ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Toast the spices for about 1 minute until they become highly fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
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3
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the sugars and deepen the color.
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4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine with the aromatic base.
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5
Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
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6
Once the lentils are soft, stir in the cooked chickpeas and the broken vermicelli pasta.
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7
While the pasta cooks (about 5-8 minutes), prepare the 'Tedouira' thickener by whisking the 3 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of water until completely smooth and lump-free.
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8
Slowly pour the flour mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. This will give the Harira its signature velvety, 'silky' body. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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9
Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Reserving the herbs for the end ensures they stay vibrant and flavorful.
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10
Add the lemon juice and salt. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed; the lemon juice is crucial for balancing the earthy lentils.
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11
Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the most authentic flavor, use a box grater for the onion rather than chopping it; the juice adds incredible sweetness. If the soup becomes too thick upon standing, simply thin it with a splash of water or broth when reheating. Always use fresh ginger rather than dried; the spicy zing is essential for cutting through the richness of the legumes. To make this gluten-free, substitute the flour thickener with a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch to 3 tbsp water) and use rice vermicelli. Don't skip the fresh herbs at the end; they provide a necessary aromatic lift that dried herbs cannot replicate.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of sweet, sticky Medjool dates—the contrast between the savory soup and sweet fruit is traditional and divine. Pair with warm crusty bread or Moroccan Khobz to soak up the thick, flavorful broth. Offer extra lemon wedges on the side for those who prefer an even brighter, tangier profile. A side of honey-drenched Chebakia (Moroccan sesame cookies) is the classic festive accompaniment. Enjoy with a glass of hot Moroccan Mint Tea for the full cultural experience.