Moroccan Harira Simple Recipe to Warm Up Your Winter

When the cold of winter sets in, many of us crave something warm, comforting, and filling. Hot soups become a staple, and if you’re looking to try something new, Moroccan harira might be the perfect choice. It's known for its unique blend of spices and hearty ingredients, which makes it a great dish that can help you stay warm and cozy while also enjoying a flavorful, balanced meal.

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that has a deep history. It's often served during Ramadan to break the fast but also enjoyed year-round. This hot soup combines ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and sometimes a little meat, all brought together with warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. It’s a favorite across Morocco because it offers not only warmth but also a nutritious.

This recipe brings you a classic harira that’s easy to prepare. We’ll keep it simple so you can make this soup just like a local would. If you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or already a fan, you’ll find this step-by-step recipe guides you through everything, from the basics to optional tips for thickening and enhancing the soup’s flavor.

Ingredients for The Harira Recipe

Harira combines basic ingredients that are easy to find and work well together to create a hearty, flavorful soup. With items like chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and simple spices, you’ll have everything you need to make this comforting dish without any unusual or hard-to-find ingredients. The recipe is also flexible, so you can choose to add meat or make it vegetarian, and adjust the flavors to your liking. Let’s go through the ingredients to get started on this classic Moroccan soup:

• Meat (optional but recommended): 200g lamb or beef, cut into small cubes

• Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons

• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped

• Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped

• Tomatoes: 3-4 large, peeled and blended

• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons

• Chickpeas: 1 cup, soaked overnight and drained

• Lentils: 1/2 cup, rinsed

• vermicelli: 1/2 cup

• 1/4 cup flour mixed with 1/2 cup water (optional, for thickening)

• Spices and Herbs

• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon

• Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon

• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon

• Salt and pepper: To taste

• Fresh parsley and cilantro: 1/2 cup each, finely chopped

How To Make Moroccan Harira Step by Step

Making harira is straightforward, with only a few steps needed to bring all the ingredients together. However, it does take a bit of time to cook, especially to allow the flavors to blend and the ingredients to soften just right. This isn’t a soup you have to watch constantly, though... once it’s simmering, you can check on it occasionally and let the heat do most of the work. Just follow each step, and you’ll have a warm, filling bowl of harira ready to enjoy.

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and meat (if using) and sauté until the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the blended tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add Chickpeas and Lentils: Add the chickpeas, lentils, and about 6-8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chickpeas are tender. Stir occasionally.

4. Thicken the Soup: Harira is known for its a thick texture. To make it thick, slowly pour in the flour mixture while stirring constantly. Let cook for another 10-15 minutes.

5. Add Vermicelli: Add or vermicelli and let it cook until soft (about 10 minutes for rice, 5 minutes for vermicelli).

6. Finish with Herbs: Add the fresh parsley and cilantro, stirring well. Let cook for another 5 minutes.

7. Serve: Ladle the harira into bowls and enjoy it hot, traditionally with dates, boiled eggs, or chebakia on the side. You can also serve it with some bread and even msemen if you know how to make it.

Is Harira Right for You? Health Considerations to Keep in Mind

Harira is a delicious and nutritious soup, but it may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those with certain dietary sensitivities. The soup contains tomatoes and spices that can increase stomach acidity, which may trigger symptoms in people with acid reflux or GERD. Additionally, harira is often thickened with flour, which could lead to a blood sugar spike, especially for those managing diabetes. If you have sensitivities to high-acid foods or need to keep an eye on blood sugar levels, you may want to adjust the recipe or enjoy harira in moderation.