Moroccan Harira with Lentils and Saffron
A Hearty North African Tomato and Lentil Soup
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that combines tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a fragrant blend of spices for a comforting and nutritious dish.
- 1 h 20 min
- 6
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Harira Base
For the Tomato Broth
For the Lentil Mixture
For Garnishing
Preparation
Preparing the Base
Heat Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables
Add onion, celery, and garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Spices
Stir in ground cumin, ginger, turmeric, and paprika, cook for another 2 minutes.
Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
Making the Tomato Broth
Cook Tomatoes
Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cook until tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Stock and Saffron
Pour in vegetable stock or water, add saffron water, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Do not boil the saffron mixture; it will lose its delicate aroma.
Cooking Process
Simmer Lentils
Add lentils to the pot and simmer for 40 minutes until soft.
Add Chickpeas and Noodles
Stir in chickpeas and vermicelli, cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Final Touch
Mix in cilantro and parsley just before serving.
Plating & Serving
Moroccan Harira with Lentils and Saffron
Moroccan Harira with Lentils and Saffron
Serve
Serve the Harira hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side.