Moroccan Lamb Harira with Chickpeas and Cinnamon

Hearty Lamb Soup With North African Flavors

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

2 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lamb Marinade

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

For the Soup Base

1 large onion

finely chopped

2 cloves garlic

minced

2 large carrots

diced

2 stalks celery

diced

1 can (400g) tomatoes

crushed

For the Spice Mix

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp turmeric

½ tsp cayenne pepper

optional for heat

For the Chickpeas & Finishing Touches

1 can (400g) chickpeas

drained and rinsed

1 bunch fresh coriander

chopped

1 lemon

juiced

Preparation

Marinating the Lamb

Mix Lamb and Spices

In a bowl, mix the lamb with cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add Olive Oil

Coat the lamb cubes well and drizzle with olive oil.

Marinate

Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably covered in the fridge overnight.

Preparing the Vegetables and Chickpeas

Chop Ingredients

Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Prepare Chickpeas

Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

Ensure chickpeas are well-rinsed to remove excess sodium.

Crush Tomatoes

Crush the canned tomatoes if not already done.

For deeper flavor, toast the cumin and coriander seeds before grinding.

Cooking Process

Brown the Lamb

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; brown lamb cubes until caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Timing: 10 min. Heat: Medium-high heat

Build the Soup Base

Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the pot until softened.

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.

Timing: 90–120 min. Heat: Low heat

Plating & Serving

Moroccan Lamb Harira with Chickpeas and Cinnamon

FaUtensils

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hearty harira into bowls and top with a generous squeeze of lemon juice.

Sauce Pairings

Harissa sauce

For an extra kick

Yogurt

For a cooling complement

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh coriander leavesLemon wedges

Perfect Sides

Warm flatbread

Couscous pilaf