MEATLESS HARIRA (A MOROCCAN SOUP)

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Meatless Harira (A Moroccan soup) image

This recipe is adapted from the one found in Paula Wolfert's "Couscous and Other Good Foods From Morocco". It should be stated that traditionally, the soup is made with meat, usually lamb. However, my husband (who is Moroccan) doesn't like it with meat, and so I came up with a meatless version; the broth cube adds some "meaty" flavor. Also, garam masala is Indian, not Moroccan; however, it is close to the Moroccan spice "ras el hanout" and adds a good flavor to the soup. This soup is traditionally prepared during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting; however, it is good at any time, especially when cold weather arrives.

Provided by Nicole Isabella

Categories     Lentil

Time 2h10m

Yield 1 large pot of soup

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 large onion, chopped
1 cup chopped parsley
1 stalk celery & leaves, chopped
1 can chickpeas
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup dried brown lentils
2 tablespoons coriander leaves
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons semolina or 3 tablespoons flour, mixed with
1/2 cup water
1 bouillon cube, preferably beef
salt
lemon wedge (to serve)

Steps:

  • In a large soup pot, saute the onion, parsley, celery, pepper and turmeric in the butter for a few minutes, then add the cinnamon and other spices.
  • Saute on very low heat for about 15 minutes or less, until the onions are soft and the spices are well-distributed.
  • Wash the lentils.
  • Puree the coriander leaves in a blender with a little water, or pound with a mortar and pestle.
  • Add both to the pot, along with the crushed tomatoes (I also like to puree the tomatoes in the blender before I add them, to eliminate any large chunks that might remain).
  • Cook for 15 minutes over low heat, and then add 1 1/2 quarts of water (about 7 cups).
  • Add the soup cube.
  • Cook on low/medium heat until the lentils are soft (I usually let the soup cook for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend).
  • A few minutes before serving, add salt to the soup (you could also add some vermicelli or other small soup noodle at this point, but I personally don't; if you do, make sure to allow an extra few minutes for the noodles to cook).
  • Add the flour and water mixture; mix well to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side, to be squeezed over the soup.

Robert Chromy
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This soup is amazing! I love the combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's so hearty and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Tarinah Saudah
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I made this soup for my family and they all loved it! It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Momina Sajal
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious soup. It's easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Figo Speelman
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I love this soup! It's so flavorful and satisfying. I always make a big batch so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day.


Jose_drippy x
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This is the best lentil soup I've ever had! The spices are perfectly balanced and the lentils are cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again.


Singham khan Khan
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This soup is so delicious and flavorful! I love the combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Shelbooi Innocent
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I made this soup for my friends and they all loved it! It's so easy to make and it's packed with flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Syed Atif
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious soup. The lentils and vegetables make it very filling and the spices add a nice flavor. I will definitely be making this again.


Jamari Peeples
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This soup is amazing! I love the combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's so hearty and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


princess metravida
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I followed the recipe exactly and the soup turned out great! It's so flavorful and satisfying. I will definitely be making this again.


mdrifat vai
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This is the best meatless harira I've ever had! The spices are perfectly balanced and the lentils are cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Bikram Np
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I made this soup for my family and they loved it! The flavors are amazing and it's so easy to make. I will definitely be making this again.


Mahdi Melhem
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This meatless harira is a delicious and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. The lentils and vegetables provide a hearty and filling base, while the spices add a warm and inviting flavor. I highly recommend this recipe!