Soup · Dinner · Moroccan ·

Moroccan Lamb Harira with Chickpeas and Cinnamon

Name: Moroccan Lamb Harira with Chickpeas and Cinnamon
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 500g lamb shoulder, cut into cubes; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 can (400g) tomatoes, crushed; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; ½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional for heat; 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped; 1 lemon, juiced

A fragrant and heartwarming Moroccan soup packed with tender lamb, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

4.8(106 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 3, 2025

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

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Lamb Marinade

For the Soup Base

For the Spice Mix

For the Chickpeas & Finishing Touches

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 338 kcal
Protein: 21 g
Carbs: 19 g
Fat: 20.5 g
Fiber: 5.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2030 kcal
Protein: 127 g
Carbs: 113 g
Fat: 123 g
Fiber: 33 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g lamb shoulder cut into cubes	1200	103	0	90	0
2 tsp ground cinnamon	12	0	3	0	2
1 tsp cumin	8	0	1	0	1
1 tsp paprika	6	0	1	0	0
1 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
½ tsp black pepper	3	0	1	0	1
2 tbsp olive oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 large onion finely chopped	46	1	11	0	2
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0	2	0	0
2 large carrots diced	50	1	12	0	4
2 stalks celery diced	12	1	3	0	1
1 can (400g) tomatoes crushed	80	4	16	0	4
2 tsp ground coriander	14	1	3	0	2
1 tsp turmeric	8	0	1	0	1
½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat	3	0	1	0	0
1 can (400g) chickpeas drained and rinsed	320	16	54	5	14
1 bunch fresh coriander chopped	3	0	1	0	1
1 lemon juiced	12	0	4	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Mix Lamb and Spices
In a bowl, mix the lamb with cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Add Olive Oil
Coat the lamb cubes well and drizzle with olive oil.
3
Marinate
Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably covered in the fridge overnight.

Preparing the Vegetables and Chickpeas

1
Chop Ingredients
Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2
Prepare Chickpeas
Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
Tip: Ensure chickpeas are well-rinsed to remove excess sodium.
3
Crush Tomatoes
Crush the canned tomatoes if not already done.
Tip: For deeper flavor, toast the cumin and coriander seeds before grinding.

How to Make Moroccan Lamb Harira with Chickpeas and Cinnamon

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Brown the Lamb
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; brown lamb cubes until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
2
Build the Soup Base
Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the pot until softened.
3
Simmer the Soup
Add tomatoes, chickpeas, lamb, and spice mix to the pot. Cover with water or broth and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.