Harira is a hearty and flavorful Moroccan soup that is traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan. The soup is made with a variety of vegetables, legumes, and spices, and can be customized to suit individual tastes. This article provides three different recipes for harira: a classic lamb and vegetable soup, a vegetarian version, and a quick and easy weeknight meal. All three recipes are packed with flavor and nutrition, and are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
**Classic Lamb and Vegetable Harira:**
This traditional harira recipe is made with lamb, vegetables, and a variety of spices. The lamb is slowly simmered until tender, and the vegetables are added towards the end of the cooking time. The soup is then finished with a garnish of fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
**Vegetarian Harira:**
This vegetarian version of harira is just as flavorful as the classic recipe, but without the lamb. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions are simmered in a flavorful broth, and then combined with lentils, chickpeas, and spices. The soup is finished with a garnish of fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
**Quick and Easy Weeknight Harira:**
This quick and easy weeknight harira recipe is perfect for busy families. The soup is made with canned chickpeas and lentils, and a variety of vegetables. The soup is simmered for a short time, and then finished with a garnish of fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
BEST HARIRA (MOROCCAN CHICKPEA & LENTIL SOUP)
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium high heat and brown the beef. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. (Leave the browned bits in the pot, those are going to give our harira tremendous flavor.)
- Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and they turn golden, 6-8 minutes. Add the celery, garlic and ginger and cook for another two minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices preserved lemon and harissa (if using) and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot with the chickpeas and lentils. Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for one hour. Add the rice, cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the olives, cilantro and parsley and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and more harissa if you prefer it spicier.
- Garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro and celery leaves. If you like, serve the harira with lemon wedges to squirt in some lemon juice. Harira is traditionally served with a side serving of dried dates.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 449 kcal, Carbohydrate 47 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 53 mg, Sodium 1304 mg, Fiber 15 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HARIRA LAMB SOUP WITH CHICK-PEAS AND LENTILS
Steps:
- In a large heavy bottomed saucepan brown lamb in butter & olive oil over moderate heat, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Add celery, onions, tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric & saffron and cook over moderate heat, stirring for 3 minutes. Add water, chick peas & lentils and bring to boil over moderate heat. Simmer, partially covered for 1 hour or until the chick-peas & lentils are tender. Season with salt & pepper. In a small bowl beat eggs with lemon juice. Add to the simmering soup in a stream, whisking constantly & remove the pan from the heat. The eggs will separate & form strands. Ladle soup into bowls & garnish with thin slices of lemon & a pinch of cinnamon.
HARIRA SOUP
Harira, a savory Moroccan soup made with dried legumes - lentil, chickpeas, fava beans - is traditionally cooked with lamb or lamb broth, but this version is vegetarian. Though it is typically eaten to break the fast during Ramadan, it is served throughout the rest of the year as well. The soup tastes best the following day, when flavors have melded, but may thicken when refrigerated. Thin with water or broth when reheating, and adjust the salt.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories soups and stews, appetizer
Time 2h
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Put olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly colored, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, pepper, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, saffron and cinnamon. Cook for about 2 minutes more.
- Add tomato, celery leaves and cilantro and bring to a brisk simmer. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes, until mixture thickens somewhat, then add 1 teaspoon salt, the brown lentils, red lentils and dried favas. Add 8 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covered with the lid ajar.
- Let soup simmer for 30 minutes, then taste broth and adjust salt. Cook for 1 hour more at a gentle simmer, until the legumes are soft and creamy. It may be necessary to add more liquid from time to time to keep soup from being too porridge-like. It should be on the thick side, but with a pourable consistency. (With every addition of water, taste and adjust for salt.)
- Just before serving, add pasta and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle soup into small bowls and pass lemon wedges for squeezing.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 302, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 51 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 353 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients, especially the lamb and the vegetables. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
- Don't skip the toasting step for the spices. This step brings out their flavor and aroma, which will add depth to the soup.
- Be patient when simmering the soup. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. However, don't overcook the lamb, or it will become tough.
- Serve the soup with a variety of toppings, such as fresh cilantro, mint, lemon wedges, and harissa. This will allow your guests to customize their bowls to their liking.
Conclusion:
Harira is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover lamb. If you are looking for a new soup recipe to try, I highly recommend this one.
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