how to make harira soup?

Here’s a traditional recipe for making Harira, a Moroccan soup that is especially popular during Ramadan. This recipe includes meat, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of spices, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Harira Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 250g (1/2 lb) beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained (or use canned chickpeas)
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the meat cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides.
2. Add Spices:
   • Add the ground cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they begin to break down.
   • Add the soaked chickpeas, lentils, and broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat, chickpeas, and lentils are tender.
5. Thicken the Soup:
   • In a small bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a smooth paste. Stir this paste into the soup. You can also whisk in beaten eggs instead of the flour paste for a different thickening method.
   • Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Add Herbs and Adjust Seasoning:
   • Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the harira hot, with lemon wedges on the side for adding a fresh, tangy flavor. It is traditionally served with dates and crusty bread.

Tips

• Soaking Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water to reduce cooking time. If using canned chickpeas, rinse them before adding to the soup.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables or increase the amount of lentils and chickpeas for added protein.

Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Harira soup!

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