Moroccan Harira Soup Recipe
Moroccan Harira Soup is a staple in the Middle East, especially during the month of Ramadan. It's savory, zesty, and absolutely hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ pounds beef or lamb chunks cut small
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ cup parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro or to taste, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons vermicelli or to taste
- ¼ tablespoons brown lentils soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes.
- 5 cups hot water
- ¼ cup celery finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoons ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon bullion powder
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Soak the lentils in boiling water for 30 minutes.
- Add the olive oil to a pot, and heat it until sizzling. Add the chopped onions. Saute for 2 minutes, then add the beef chunks.
- Saute until the beef is browned, about 10-12 minutes. Mix every so often so nothing burns. Add the finely chopped celery and saute for another 3-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the drained chickpeas, drained lentils and mix. Add the chopped parsley, cilantro and the spices and mix again.
- Dissolve the tomato paste in the 5 cups of water and add to the pot along with the tomato sauce.
- Let it come to a boil for about 5 minutes before lowering the heat to low and covering. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes before adding in the vermicelli. Let it cook for another 10 minutes or until the vermicelli are plump and soft.
- Mix the flour and water until well combined and not lumpy and drizzle it in the soup. Mix for a few minutes, and serve with some more parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges.
Notes
1.) You can omit the beef and make it vegetarian. You could add more lentils to make it more protein packed and thicker.
2.) Depending on how big you cut your beef and what kind of beef you used, it may take longer or shorter to cook and be tender. Keep an eye out.
3.) You can add a combination of lentils, rice, and vermicelli, or use just 1. It's a preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 16gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 1953mgPotassium: 727mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1259IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 4mg
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