Casablanca Comfort Authentic Moroccan Harira Soup

Casablanca Comfort: Introducing Authentic Moroccan Harira Soup

Ever crave a bowl of sunshine on a chilly day? I totally do! That's why I'm sharing my recipe for Moroccan harira soup .

It's packed with flavor and oh-so-satisfying. Think warm spices and hearty ingredients.

A Taste of Morocco in Your Kitchen

Moroccan soup , like harira, has been a staple for centuries, especially during Ramadan. It's a Ramadan soup tradition. This harira recipe brings that rich history to your table.

It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes around 3 hours from start to finish. This recipe makes enough to feed a small crowd (6-8 servings).

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More Than Just a Soup

This isn't just another soup recipe . It is so much more. Harira is full of lentils, known for their fibre and protein.

Perfect for a nourishing meal! This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. What makes it special? It's the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavors.

Ready to dive into the harira ingredients ?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Casablanca Comfort: Authentic Moroccan Harira Soup . Honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle, but don't stress, you probably have a lot of this stuff already! This recipe makes about 6-8 servings , perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for the base of our moroccan soup , you're gonna need:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Use good quality, it makes a difference.
• 1 pound (450g) lamb stew meat. I like lamb, but beef works too!
• 1 large onion, chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
• 2 celery stalks, chopped. That's around ½ cup (75g).
• 2 carrots, chopped. Aim for ½ cup (75g) again.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated. This adds zing!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Essential for that warmth!
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. For color and earthiness.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Adds a smoky depth.
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander. A little citrusy note.
• Pinch of saffron threads. If you can get it, it's worth it, but don't sweat it if not.
• 8 cups (2 liters) beef or vegetable broth. I prefer beef for depth.
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Yep, just chuck it in.
• 1 cup (175g) green or brown lentils, rinsed. Red lentils work too, but cook quicker!
• ½ cup (75g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained, or 1 15oz can, rinsed and drained. Soaking them overnight is the key.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste. Brings it all together.

And then, for those finishing touches that will make your harira recipe sing:

• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour, mixed with ¼ cup (60ml) water (slurry).
• Juice of 1 lemon. Fresh lemon juice makes a difference!.
• ¼ cup (5g) chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish.
• ¼ cup (5g) chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

For lamb, look for meat that's well marbled with fat; it'll be more tender and flavorful after simmering. If you are going full vegetarian harira , swap the lamb for some extra chickpeas and chunky potatoes.

Seasoning Notes

This moroccan lentil soup lives and dies by its spices. The cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin are a must. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat if you fancy a spicy harira!

If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger works in a pinch, but use half the amount. For a richer flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the soup while it simmers.

Remember, with the best harira recipe spice is important, but it also needs to be in balance!

Equipment Needed

Don't need fancy kit for this easy harira recipe .

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven. It needs to be big enough to hold everything!
• Sharp knife. For all that chopping.
• Cutting board. Obvs.
• Grater. For the ginger. A microplane is great if you have one!

If you don't have a grater, you can finely mince the ginger instead. A large spoon is your best friend for stirring this ramadan soup . And don't forget bowls for serving!

This authentic harira is really about the spices and the slow simmer. It's total comfort food, especially on a cold night.

Now you are ready to start your own harira soup recipe . Happy cooking!

Mastering Moroccan Magic: Cooking Up Authentic Harira Soup

Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! We're diving headfirst into the world of Moroccan soup , particularly, the legendary moroccan harira soup .

Forget boring old soup; this is comfort food at its finest. Seriously, imagine a bowl packed with flavour lentil soup , chickpea soup , spiced tomatoes, and tender lamb it's like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

I've tweaked my harira recipe over the years, making it a little easier without sacrificing that authentic taste. Trust me, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this!

Prep Power: Your Mise en Place Mission

Before we get started, let's get organised. It’s all about that mise en place , darling! Chop your 1 large onion (about 1 cup/150g) , 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup/75g) , and 2 carrots (about ½ cup/75g) into a fine dice.

Mince those 4 cloves garlic and grate that 1 inch piece of fresh ginger . Measure out all your spices 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , 1 teaspoon ground turmeric , ½ teaspoon ground cumin , ½ teaspoon ground coriander , and a pinch of precious saffron threads .

Got your 1 pound (450g) lamb stew meat cubed? Excellent. Have your 1 cup (175g) green or brown lentils rinsed and ½ cup (75g) dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, or a can of drained ones) ready to roll.

This prep work will save you a tonne of time later. Honestly, I learned this the hard way nothing worse than scrambling for spices when your onions are burning!

The Harira Hustle: step-by-step Goodness

Alright, let's get cooking!

1. Sauté Time: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your large stockpot. Brown that lamb, then set it aside. Next, toss in the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until they soften a bit.
2. Spice Explosion: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant. Then, add your spices cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and saffron. Cook for about 1 minute , stirring constantly, until you can really smell that deliciousness!
3. Broth & Beans: Return the lamb to the pot. Pour in 8 cups (2 liters) beef or vegetable broth and 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes . Add those lentils and chickpeas.
4. Simmer Magic: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for around 2 hours . Check it now and then. You want that lamb and those lentils to be super tender. If the soup gets too thick, just add a bit more broth.
5. Thicken Up: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste . Gradually whisk in your flour slurry ( 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour mixed with ¼ cup water ). Simmer until it thickens up nicely.
6. Fresh Finish: Stir in the juice of 1 lemon , ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro , and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley . Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Harira Heroes

Want to take your harira recipe to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've picked up along the way.

• Don't skimp on the spices! Seriously, they're the key to that authentic flavour.
• If you're short on time, you can use canned chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse them well!
• Taste as you go! The flavours will change as it simmers, so adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Common mistake: Overcooking the lentils! Keep an eye on them during simmering and don't let them get mushy.

Oh, and here's a little secret: This ramadan soup tastes even better the next day! Just store it in the fridge and reheat.

It’s a winter soup that is guaranteed to be the perfect middle eastern soup .

Recipe Notes for the Best Moroccan Harira Soup

This moroccan harira soup is more than just a meal. It's like a hug in a bowl! Let's talk about how to make it even better.

I've had a few kitchen adventures with this harira recipe , so I've got some tips. This guide will ensure your soup is spot-on!

Serving Suggestions: Casablanca on a Plate

Presentation matters, you know? For the authentic harira experience, ladle the moroccan soup into bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and parsley.

A swirl of yoghurt adds a creamy touch. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into that delicious spiced tomato soup .

Think about it: k_annotated: ['how to make harira'] Serving ramadan soup this way just elevates the whole experience. It is a traditional moroccan cuisine staple, after all! You can never go wrong with a side of dates or figs, they are the perfect sweet compliment to this savoury dish!

Storage Tips: Keep the Comfort Coming

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This lentil soup tastes even better the next day. Pop it into an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days.

K_annotated: ['healthy soup'] For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Freeze in portion sized containers. It will be good for up to three months.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just add a splash of water if it's too thick. Trust me, this is great comfort food to have on hand!

Variations: Your Harira, Your Way

Let's talk tweaks. Want a vegetarian harira ? Easy peasy. Ditch the lamb and use vegetable broth. Throw in some extra veggies like potatoes.

Maybe zucchini too. Honestly, the possibilities are endless. k_annotated: ['easy harira recipe'] If you're watching the carbs, skip the flour slurry.

The chickpea soup will still be amazing. During cooler months, try adding sweet potatoes. For spicy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This north african soup recipe is yours to play with!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful

This moroccan harira soup is packed with goodness. It's got protein from the lentils and chickpeas. There's fiber from the veggies.

Plus, all those spices are loaded with antioxidants. A bowl of this winter soup is k_annotated: ['harira ingredients'] a great way to warm up.

Not to mention its nourishing ingredients! It’s a healthy soup too!

This recipe is truly one of the best harira recipe out there. Don't be afraid to tweak things. Making moroccan lentil soup should be fun.

So, get in the kitchen and get cooking. You've got this!