Description
A robust, soul-warming Moroccan staple, Harira is a nutrient-dense stew traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan. This complex recipe combines tender halal lamb or chicken with earthy lentils, chickpeas, and a aromatic blend of ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Finished with a traditional flour-based tadouira thickener, the soup boasts a velvety, luxurious texture that is perfectly complemented by a final swirl of fragrant saffron-infused water and a bright squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
0.5 lb bone-in lamb or chicken
1 large onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup green or brown lentils
15 oz can chickpeas, drained
0.25 lb vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces
1 pinch saffron threads dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Pat the meat dry and brown it thoroughly on all sides until golden, then set aside if necessary.
Sauté the diced onion in the pot until translucent and soft.
Stir in the chopped celery and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Add the ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, stirring for 1 minute.
Return the meat to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas.
Cover with water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
Prepare the tadouira by whisking flour with water until smooth, then stir into the soup to thicken.
Stir in the vermicelli and cook for another 5-8 minutes until tender.
Finish by swirling in the saffron water and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure the meat is halal-certified. For the tadouira thickener, use a ratio of 1/2 cup flour to 1 cup water, whisking well to eliminate lumps before adding to the pot. This soup reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Mediterranean Diet
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg