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Harira Soup Bowl

Cozy Up with the Best Harira Soup Bowl for Chilly Nights

Experience the warmth and comfort of a Harira Soup Bowl, a nourishing Moroccan dish perfect for chilly nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
  • 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder can replace with veggies like zucchini
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can be used
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander or ground cumin if needed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin essential for authentic taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger or fresh ginger for a stronger taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon essential for balancing flavors
  • 4 cloves garlic minced; fresh is best

For the Broth

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or fresh tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes can use diced tomatoes if needed
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 4 cups water adjust for desired consistency

For Added Texture

  • 1 can chickpeas or lentils as a direct alternative
  • 1 cup green lentils ensure cooking times are adjusted
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a gluten-free option
  • 1 cup cold water for slurry
  • 1 cup vermicelli pasta or other short pasta types

For Freshness & Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped; can omit if not available
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped; can omit if not available
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste, optional
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice omit if less acidity preferred

Instructions
 

How to Make Harira Soup Bowl

  • In a large pot, drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm, then add chopped yellow onion, sautéing until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic along with smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  • Tuck in the cubed boneless lamb shoulder and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Mix in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
  • Add chopped celery and rinsed green lentils. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Create a slurry using all-purpose flour and cold water in a small bowl. Gradually pour into the soup, stirring until thickened.
  • Toss in chickpeas and broken vermicelli pasta. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until tender.
  • Remove from heat and gently fold in chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve hot with a splash of lemon juice.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust spices and seasoning to taste.
Keyword chickpea soup, comfort food, cozy soup, Harira Soup Bowl, Hearty Soup, Moroccan recipe