Name: Harira marocain soup : 5 Delicious Steps to Make It at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or 1 can, drained and rinsed); 1/2 cup lentils; 300g (10 oz) beef or lamb, cubed (or substitute with chicken or tofu); 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped with leaves; 1/4 cup rice (or vermicelli noodles); 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 large tomatoes, grated or blended; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt to taste; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 cups water or low-sodium beef broth

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What if we told you that you could recreate the comforting, spice-rich experience of traditional Moroccan cuisine in under two hours without traveling to Marrakesh? Harira marocain soup, a beloved North African dish, has long been a staple during Ramadan and chilly winter evenings. Packed with protein, fiber, and soul-warming spices, it’s not just hearty it’s healing. In this post, you’ll learn how to make authentic Harira marocain soup at home in just 5 easy steps.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to craft a pot of this nourishing Moroccan classic:

Core Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked in water overnight (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup lentils
300g (10 oz) beef or lamb, cubed (or substitute with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped with leaves
1/4 cup vermicelli or rice noodles
3 tablespoons of flour to thicken the soup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 large tomatoes, grated or blended
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups water or beef broth (low sodium preferred)

Optional Enhancements:

For a deeper flavor, add a little saffron.
Lemon wedges for serving
Dates or figs on the side for a traditional Moroccan touch

Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

That’s 20% quicker than many traditional Harira marocain soup recipes, which can take up to two hours or more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Base

In a cooking pot over medium heat, put the olive oil, then the onion, celery, and meat and stir well until they become light brown and fragrant. This step builds the umami base of your Harira marocain soup.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in all the spices, tomato paste, and blended tomatoes. Cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate about 5–7 minutes. This intensifies the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer with Legumes

Add chickpeas, lentils, and broth. Let it boil, on low heat, for 40-50 minutes, until the meat and legumes are cooked.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Mix the flour with half a cup of water well to get a liquid dough without lumps.. Slowly pour into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 10 more minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add the vermicelli or rice and fresh herbs, and taste for salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vermicelli or rice is tender. Serve hot with lemon wedges and optional dates.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 11g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Iron: 20% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to lighten things up?

Swap beef for lean chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian boost.
Use whole- grain rice or quinoa rather of white rice.
Reduce the flour and add puréed cauliflower for thickening.
Go low-sodium by using homemade broth.

These tweaks preserve the soul of Harira marocain soup while enhancing its health appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your dining experience with these ideas:

Serve with fresh Moroccan bread or whole wheat pita bread.
Add a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for balance.
Serve with dates or figs for a traditional Ramadan touch.
Drizzle lemon juice over the soup just before serving to brighten flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the rice: It can turn mushy. Add it only in the final 10–15 minutes.
Flour dough is indispensable because it contributes to thickening the distinctive texture of harira.
Fresh herbs such as coriander and parsley are essential for a distinctive flavor.
Using canned tomatoes without straining: Too watery; go for blended fresh tomatoes instead.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Harira marocain soup stores beautifully:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight glass container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight and reheat on low heat, adding water if it’s too thick.

Conclusion

Harira marocain soup is more than a recipe it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With just five simple steps, you can bring a taste of Morocco into your home. Try it today, leave a comment with your experience, or subscribe for more delicious updates!