Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Morocco with just one spoonful! This Easy Moroccan Harira Soup isn't just a recipe—it's an exotic adventure waiting to unfold in your kitchen. Packed with aromatic spices, hearty legumes, and a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, this traditional soup promises to revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 can lentils, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the onion and celery stalks finely. Drain the chickpeas and lentils thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until the onions become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle ground cumin and cinnamon over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and release their aromatic flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The soup should thicken and develop a rich, hearty consistency.
- Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or traditional Moroccan flatbread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Spice Precision: Toast your cumin and cinnamon briefly to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Texture Matters: For the most authentic consistency, don't rush the simmering process. Let the soup develop its rich, thick texture slowly.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro for garnishing—it adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance to let the flavors fully develop.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add a protein like shredded chicken or lamb for extra heartiness.
- Storage Hack: Harira freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg