Harira is an exquisite Moroccan soup that has been cherished for generations, especially during Ramadan. Known for its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, Harira is often enjoyed to break the fast at sunset. Its delightful combination of legumes, vegetables, and spices makes it a heartwarming meal sure to please everyone.
Traditionally served as a starter, Harira can also be a wholesome main dish. This soup combines flavors and textures in a way that creates a symphony on your palate. With its robust, healthy ingredients and authentic Moroccan spices, Harira stands out as both a vegetarian and vegan-friendly option, perfect for a diverse range of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 600 grams tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 100 grams lentils
- 200 grams meat, cut into small pieces (optional)
- 150 grams cooked chickpeas
- 100 grams vermicelli
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small bunch of fresh coriander
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 small bunch of celery
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup regular flour
- Salt to taste
Preparation
- Begin by peeling and chopping the tomatoes. Also, chop the onion, celery, coriander, and parsley finely.
- In a large pot, heat the ghee and butter together. Add the chopped onion, celery, coriander, and parsley. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the meat pieces (if using), lentils, and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Pour enough water to cover all ingredients and bring to a boil.
- While the mixture cooks, puree the chopped tomatoes with a blender until smooth.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the pot along with the cinnamon stick, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about an hour.
- Dissolve the flour in a cup of water to make a smooth paste. Gradually add this to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the vermicelli. Let it cook until tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and additional water if necessary. Continue cooking until all ingredients are well-combined and the soup is thickened.
Did you know?
Harira’s origins are deeply entwined with Moroccan culture. This hearty soup is especially significant during Ramadan, where it is traditionally served to break the fast. The soup’s combination of lentils, chickpeas, and vermicelli not only creates a delightful medley of textures but also provides an essential source of protein and fiber for those fasting.
Invariably known for its welcoming warmth, Harira is sometimes referred to as the “soup of hospitality.” In Morocco, it is not uncommon for households to prepare a large batch of Harira to share with friends and neighbors, embodying the spirit of community and generosity.
While the traditional version often includes meat, this versatile recipe can easily be adapted to be entirely vegan or vegetarian. By omitting the meat and using vegetable-based stock, Harira maintains its rich flavor profile, showcasing the robustness of the aromatic spices and fresh herbs. In Morocco, cooks may even personalize their Harira with regional herbs or spices, making each pot of this beloved soup a unique culinary experience.
