Moroccan Harira Soup
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 1 hour
– Serves: 6-8 people
Table of Contents
Introduction
I must admit that one of the most important characteristics of Morocco’s food is that it is flavorful, spicy, and often very filling. Of all these dishes, Moroccan Harira Soup is a highly popular soup prepared particularly during Ramadan although it can be prepared at any other time of the year and is enjoyed by many. This recipe for Moroccan soup involves spiced up lentils and tenderized chicken is a yummy ride down Morocco’s culinary tradition. In this blog, we are going to unveil the Extended genuine Moroccan Harira Recipes, the ingredients used in cooking and how you can prepare this tasty soup at home.
What is Moroccan Harira?
Harira is a popular soup that has an especially high status in Morocco since it is regarded as somewhat of a staple of the country. She said it is prepared during the time of breaking fast in the month of Ramadan but is consumed at other times of the year as well. This soup entails a blend of lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes and chicken which has been cooked with spices. The combination creates a delicious and healthy meal that satisfies the soul’s hung
Moroccan Harira soup Ingredients
- 1. Lentils: Serves as the main ingredient of this dish and gives it rather dense structure and more intensive taste.
- 2. Chickpeas: Increases the heartiness and imparts a nutty flavor to the dish.
- 3. Chicken: Normally, the soup is made with chicken although it has the option to be made with vegetables only.
- 4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes used in this soup can be either fresh or canned, however, they are responsible for the basic taste of the soup which can be somewhat tangy.
- 5. Onions and Garlic: Crucial in the creation of the foundation of flavor that makes soup a Sasssome experience.
- 6. Cilantro and Parsley: More of green plants which give a feel of freshness to the food.
- 7. Spices: The principal spice involved in the-making of Harira is cumin joined with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika.
- 8. Flour or Egg: Added to the soup to make it smooth as it thickens the soup when cooked.
- 9. Olive Oil: For tossing the vegetables and also for enriching the soup.
- 10. Water or Broth: It is possible to adjust the liquid base to obtain the needed texture of the mass.
Ingredients for Harira Preparing Spicy Moroccan Harira Soup
1. Prepare the Base: Start with cooking chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until they turn light brown. To the pot add the diced tomatoes and cook until they release their liquid and start to soften.
2. Add the Chicken: If using chicken add it now and fry till it turns brown on all the sides.
3. Incorporate the Lentils and Chickpeas: Then add the lentils and the chickpeas into this tomato mix, making sure that it covers the lentils and the chickpeas.
4. Spice it Up: Substitute the cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. Stir the soup well so that the seasonings are well mixed in the pot.
5. Simmer: Add the water or the broth and cook the mixture to the boiling point. Finally, lower the heat and allow to gently cook for approx forty-five minutes to one hour or until the lentils and chicken are soft.
6. Thicken the Soup: To get that usual thickness, you need to dilute some flour with water or you can beat an egg and add it in the soup. Allow the mixture to cook for further ten to fifteen minutes.
7. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Mix in some chopped fresh cilantro and parsley at the end to give the dish a nice, fresh taste.
How to Make the Perfect Moroccan Harira
– Adjusting the Heat: If your kind of soup requires spiciness, you can enhance the flavor of the soup by adding more of the paprika or sprinkling a little cayenne pepper on the soup.
– Vegetarian Option: For the vegetarian variant, it is enough to exclude chicken, and to use vegetable broth instead of water.
– Serving Suggestions: It is custom to eat it with dates and Honey soaked biscuits to counteract the spices used in the soup.
Nutritional Information for Moroccan Harira Soup (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 15-20 g |
| Total Fat | 6-8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2 g |
| Cholesterol | 30-50 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35-40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8-10 g |
| Sugars | 6-8 g |
| Sodium | 400-600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15-20% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10-15% DV |
| Iron | 15-20% DV |
| Calcium | 6-8% DV |
Note: The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
It is not just a soup but it is more of Moroccan tradition, hospitality, and culture as every Moroccan home will tell you. Whether it is a cold day and you fancy having a warm meal or indeed you wish to try out something exotic, then this Moroccan Harira recipe will blow your mind away. Lentils combined with tasty chicken and warm spices make people forget about the time and make them feel that they are in the markets of Morocco.
FAQs about Moroccan Harira Soup
Q1: Is it possible to prepare Moroccan Harira in advance?
A: Yes, indeed it is very possible to prepare Harira beforehand and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Q2: What can I do to make Harira vegetarian, let alone vegan?
A: To make the vegetarian or vegan version of Harira just exclude the chicken and instead of using water use vegetable stock.
Q3: What accompaniments can be afforded to Moroccan Harira Soup?
A: In fact, it is customary to serve harira with dates and honeyed pastries to neutralize the spiciness of the soup. You can also serve it with crusts for a more fulfilling meal none the less you can also serve it with a simple salad.
Q4: Which lentils should I use in Harira?
A: For Harira, it is recommended to use brown or green lentils mainly because their parts maintain their form after the cooking process and enhance the texture of the soup. The best option to use is red lentils because although they disintegrate further and thicken the soup, the difference is not too striking .
