How to Make the Perfect Harira Recipe – A Step-by-Step Guide
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup, rich in lentils, chickpeas, and fragrant spices, simmered in a tomato-based broth. This comforting dish is perfect for Ramadan Iftar or a hearty meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
🌿 Base Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 5-6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro or parsley finely chopped
🥫 Tomato Base & Spices:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
🥣 Lentils & Chickpeas:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or ½ cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight)
💧 Liquid & Thickening:
- 8 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour mixed with warm water (Tadeouira, for thickening)
- ¼ to ½ cup vermicelli or orzo pasta optional
🍋 Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and celery, sautéing until soft (about 7-8 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, mix well, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the Spices & Legumes:
- Stir in cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the lentils and drained chickpeas, stirring to coat them with the spices.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in 8 cups of water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Thicken & Final Touches:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp flour with warm water until smooth.
- Slowly add the flour slurry (Tadeouira) to the soup, stirring continuously.
- Add vermicelli or orzo (if using) and let cook for another 10-12 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Stir in fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, then let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and Moroccan bread (khobz) for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a gluten-free Harira, skip the flour and pasta, or use gluten-free alternatives.
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add Harissa paste.
- Harira thickens over time—if reheating, add a little water or broth to adjust consistency.