Harira (Traditional Moroccan Soup)

Harira is a hearty Moroccan soup made with tomatoes,
lentils, chickpeas, and spices. It’s often enjoyed during
Ramadan to break the fast but is also a comforting meal
year-round.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6) :
For the Soup Base:
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● 1 onion, finely chopped
● 2 celery stalks, chopped
● 2 tomatoes, grated (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
● 2 tbsp tomato paste
● ½ cup green lentils, rinsed
● ½ cup chickpeas, cooked (or canned, drained)
● 750ml vegetable or chicken broth
● 1 tsp ground turmeric
● 1 tsp ground cumin
● 1 tsp ground ginger
● ½ tsp paprika
● ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
● Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Thickening & Finishing:
● 3 tbsp flour, mixed with ½ cup water (for
thickening)
● ½ cup vermicelli pasta (or small pasta)
● ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
● ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
● Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions :

1. Cook the Base:
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion and celery until soft.
4. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin,
   ginger, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook
   for 5 minutes.
5. Simmer the Soup:
6. Add lentils, chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until
   lentils are tender.
8. Thicken & Final Touches:
9. Stir in the flour mixture to thicken the soup.
10. Add vermicelli and cook for 5 more minutes.
11. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and lemon juice.
    
12. Serving Suggestion:
13. Serve hot with dates and warm bread.
14. Add extra lemon juice for a fresh touch.
    

Enjoy your warm and comforting Harira! 🍲💛