Family Recipes Blog 6: Traditional Moroccan Soup: How to Make Harira

 

Blog 6: Traditional Moroccan Soup: How to Make Harira

Introduction: Welcome back to our family recipe series! Today, we're delving into a beloved Moroccan soup: Harira. This hearty, nutritious soup is often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast, but it's delicious any time of the year.

About Harira: Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of fresh herbs and spices. It's known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it a favorite in Moroccan households.

Harira Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup green lentils
• 1/2 pound beef or lamb, cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup vermicelli or thin noodles
• 1/4 cup flour mixed with 1/2 cup water (to thicken)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until soft and translucent.

2. Add Meat and Spices: Add the beef or lamb pieces to the pot, along with the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.

3. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, and parsley. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is well combined and aromatic.

4. Add Chickpeas and Lentils: Add the soaked chickpeas and lentils to the pot, followed by 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the chickpeas and lentils are tender.

5. Cook the Noodles: Add the vermicelli or thin noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the noodles are soft.

6. Thicken the Soup: Stir the flour and water mixture into the soup to thicken it. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.

7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Harira hot, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and a wedge of lemon on the side.

Conclusion: Harira is a flavorful and nourishing soup that embodies the heart of Moroccan cuisine. Enjoy this hearty soup with your loved ones, and stay tuned for more traditional recipes in our upcoming posts!