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Moroccan Harira Soup with Lentils and Chickpeas

Elina James
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Soups
Servings 8 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Base Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained)
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
  • Spices and Herbs:
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 200g (7 oz) lamb or beef, cubed (for a traditional version)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup uncooked vermicelli noodles or rice (for thickening)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sauté the Base : Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  • Step 2: Build the Flavor : Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and all the spices (turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, pepper). Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomato base thickens slightly and the spices bloom.
  • Step 3: Add Lentils and Broth : Pour in broth (or water), add rinsed lentils, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes until lentils start to soften.
  • Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Optional Meat : Add cooked chickpeas and cubed meat (if using). Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the broth thickens.
  • Step 5: Add Herbs and Finishing Touches : Stir in chopped parsley and cilantro. If using vermicelli or rice, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Step 6: Serve : Serve piping hot with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon right before eating enhances all the flavors!