Harira Soup with Chickpeas Recipe
Harira Soup with Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5g) turmeric
- 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
- 250g (0.5 lb) lamb or beef, cubed (optional for a non-vegetarian version)
- 200g (1 cup) dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked or two 400g/15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
- 100g (1 cup) red lentils, rinsed
- 2 x 400g/15oz cans of chopped tomatoes
- 750ml (3 cups) vegetable stock
- 25g (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 25g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Meat (Optional)
If including, add the cubed lamb or beef to the pot. Sear the meat on all sides until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional for those opting for a vegetarian version.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Stir in the cooked chickpeas, red lentils, and canned tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Blend and Season
Once the soup has thickened, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse the fresh herb flavors.
Serving
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Encourage guests to squeeze their lemon wedges into the soup for a zesty kick.
Conclusion
Harira soup with chickpeas is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of flavors and tradition. Whether enjoyed during a festive gathering or as a comforting family dinner, harira brings warmth and an enticing aroma to your table. I hope this recipe brings many delicious and memorable moments to you and your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables or different legumes for a personalized touch. Enjoy every spoonful!