Soup · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Moroccan Aromatic Lamb Harira with Cinnamon and Cloves

Name: Moroccan Aromatic Lamb Harira with Cinnamon and Cloves
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: Lamb shoulder, cut into small cubes, 500g; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp; Ground cloves, 1 tsp; Ground cumin, 1 tsp; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil, 3 tbsp; Onion, finely chopped, 1 large; Garlic, minced, 3 cloves; Carrots, diced, 2 medium; Celery, diced, 3 sticks; Chopped tomatoes, 1 can (400g); Tomato paste, 1 tbsp; Ground ginger, 1 tsp; Paprika, 1 tsp; Saffron threads, 1 pinch; Cinnamon stick, 1; Bay leaf, 1; Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained, 100g; Lentils, rinsed, 1/2 cup; Fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 bunch; Fresh parsley, chopped, 1 bunch; Juice of lemon, 1 lemon

A richly flavored Moroccan soup made with tender lamb and a mix of fragrant spices. This traditional dish is ideal for a warming meal any time of the year.

4.9(614 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·February 7, 2026

Moroccan Aromatic Lamb Harira with Cinnamon and Cloves — Soup served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Lamb Marinade

Soup Base

Spice Mix

Finishing Touches

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 395 kcal
Protein: 21 g
Carbs: 21.9 g
Fat: 26.3 g
Fiber: 6.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2368 kcal
Protein: 126.2 g
Carbs: 131.3 g
Fat: 158 g
Fiber: 39.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Lamb shoulder, cut into small cubes 500g	1190	98	0	86	0
Olive oil 2 tbsp	238	0	0	27	0
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp	6	0	2	0.1	1
Ground cloves 1 tsp	6	0	1	0.3	1
Ground cumin 1 tsp	8	0.3	1	0.5	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Olive oil 3 tbsp	357	0	0	40.5	0
Onion, finely chopped 1 large	60	1	14	0.2	3
Garlic, minced 3 cloves	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
Carrots, diced 2 medium	50	1	12	0.3	5
Celery, diced 3 sticks	18	0.8	4	0.3	2
Chopped tomatoes 1 can (400g)	80	4	18	0.4	4
Tomato paste 1 tbsp	13	0.5	3	0	0.7
Ground ginger 1 tsp	6	0.2	1	0.1	0.2
Paprika 1 tsp	6	0.3	1	0.3	1
Saffron threads 1 pinch	1	0	0.1	0	0
Cinnamon stick 1	3	0	1	0	1
Bay leaf 1	1	0.1	0.2	0	0
Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained 100g	164	8.8	27	2.6	8
Lentils, rinsed 1/2 cup	115	9	20	0.4	8
Fresh cilantro, chopped 1 bunch	7	0.6	1	0.1	0.7
Fresh parsley, chopped 1 bunch	14	1	3	0.3	2
Juice of lemon 1 lemon	12	0.2	4	0.1	0.2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Combine Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
2
Coat Lamb
Add the lamb cubes and coat well with the marinade.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Soup Base

1
Heat Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Sauté Vegetables
Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
Tip: ⚠ Stir regularly to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
3
Add Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cook for 5 minutes.
Tip: 💡 Use fresh tomatoes in season for enhanced flavor.

How to Make Moroccan Aromatic Lamb Harira with Cinnamon and Cloves

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Building the Broth
Add the marinated lamb to the vegetables and stir.
2
Spicing it Up
Add the spice mix and pour in 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
3
Simmering
Reduce heat to low, add chickpeas and lentils, and simmer for 1-2 hours until the lamb is tender.