Harira Soup

Harira, Morocco's Lamb and Lentil Soup, is traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan, but is also enjoyed as a starter or light snack through the country. While travelling through Morocco, we were served this soup before every meal. The recipes are varied, and each one is just as good as the one before...it quickly became a favorite in our home. Enjoy! Show more

Ready In: 55 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Advertisement

Directions

  1. Season lamb with salt and pepper. In 1 tablespoon olive oil, brown the lamb just until browned on all sides. With a slotted spoon, remove lamb to a plate and set aside.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the juices that the lamb has released until translucent, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add carrot and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste , and spices (Has el Hanout, Cumin and Paprika). The Moroccan blend, Has el Hanout, which is Arabic for "head of the shop" which implies that the spices used are the best the shop has to offer, is a spice blend of over 30 spices. Spices may vary but tend to include cardamom, clove, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, peppercorn, to name a few.
  5. Add the lamb broth, chick peas and lentils to the pot.
  6. Add the lamb back to the pot and simmer until lentils are tender. If using lamb loin, which does not have a lot of fat, add it toward the end of the cooking process. If using shoulder, add it in the beginning so it can stew and become tender.
  7. Cilantro makes this dish! Chop a big bunch and add it to the soup a few minutes before the soup is done. Save some to the side to use as garnish.
Show more

Did you Make This?

Tell us how it came out or how you tweaked it, add your photos, or get help.

Show Off

Dinner Daily Newsletter

Ever know exactly what to make after a hard day’s work? Us either. Take the guesswork out of dinner with these sure-fire meals, delivered right to your inbox.

Advertisement