Main Course · Soup · African ·

Moroccan Harira with Lamb and Saffron

Name: Moroccan Harira with Lamb and Saffron
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 lb lamb shoulder, cubed; 1.5 liters water; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cumin; Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) tomatoes, crushed; 1/4 cup lentils; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

This comforting Moroccan soup boasts tender lamb, aromatic spices, and a touch of saffron, perfect for a cozy dinner.

4.7(96 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 26, 2025

Moroccan Harira with Lamb and Saffron — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Lamb and Broth

For the Soup Base

For the Aromatics and Spices

For the Additional Ingredients

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 293 kcal
Protein: 21.9 g
Carbs: 19.8 g
Fat: 14.9 g
Fiber: 6.7 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1757 kcal
Protein: 131.5 g
Carbs: 118.7 g
Fat: 89.4 g
Fiber: 40.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 lb lamb shoulder, cubed	888	98	0	56	0
1.5 liters water	0	0	0	0	0
1 bay leaf	0	0	0	0	0.1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tbsp olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
1 large onion, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	1.8
2 celery stalks, diced	12	0.5	3	0	1.2
2 large carrots, diced	50	1	12	0.3	4
1 tsp ground cinnamon	6	0.1	2	0.1	1.3
1 tsp ground ginger	6	0.2	1	0.1	0.2
1 tsp ground cumin	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed	269	14.5	45	4.3	12.5
1 can (15 oz) tomatoes, crushed	60	3	14	0.5	4
1/4 cup lentils	172	12.5	30	0.5	15
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped	2	0.2	0.4	0.1	0.4
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped	1	0.1	0.3	0.1	0.3

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Season Lamb
Season lamb cubes with salt and pepper.
2
Combine Ingredients
Combine with bay leaf and water in a large pot.
3
Simmer
Simmer for 45 minutes, skimming off any foam.

Preparing the Vegetables

1
Heat Oil
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté Veggies
Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until soft, about 10 minutes.
3
Add Spices
Add cinnamon, ginger, and cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Tip: Ensure the saffron is properly soaked to release its full flavor. Stir the spices continuously to prevent burning.

How to Make Moroccan Harira with Lamb and Saffron

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Combining the Components
Add sautéed vegetables and spices to the lamb and broth.
2
Incorporating Additional Ingredients
Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, lentils, and saffron water.
3
Final Adjustments
Add parsley and coriander just before serving.