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Best Harira Recipe

Harira Recipe

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This Best Harira Recipe offers a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon, this flavorful soup is ideal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Moroccan, North African
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas (canned or pre-cooked)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 large onion finley chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 ground ginger
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup vermicelli or broken spaghetti (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • 1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste
    Add the tomato paste, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the pot.Stir the spices into the onions and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
    3. Add Lentils, Chickpeas, and Tomatoes
    Stir in the lentils, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the spices and tomato paste.Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
    4. Simmer the Soup
    Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
    5. Add Vermicelli (Optional)
    If you’re using vermicelli or broken spaghetti, add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn't stick together.
    6. Garnish and Serve
    Once the soup is cooked, stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.Serve the Harira hot, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Chickpea Prep: If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.
  • Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but for extra richness, you can add lamb or beef. Just brown the meat with the onions and garlic before adding the broth.
  • Spice Adjustment: Adjust the level of spices according to your taste. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the paprika.
  • Freezing: Harira freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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