Soup · Dinner · Mediterranean · Middle Eastern ·

Rustic Moroccan Lamb Harira with Saffron and Chickpeas

Name: Rustic Moroccan Lamb Harira with Saffron and Chickpeas
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 500g lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground turmeric; Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water; 400g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 400g canned tomatoes, crushed; 1/4 cup lentils, picked and rinsed; 2 liters beef or lamb stock; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped

This traditional Moroccan Harira is a delightful blend of lamb, chickpeas, and spices, creating a hearty soup perfect for warming up any meal.

4.2(909 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 20, 2025

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

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Lamb Base

For the Soup

For the Aromatic Mix

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 473 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 30.33 g
Fat: 24.67 g
Fiber: 8.67 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2836 kcal
Protein: 192 g
Carbs: 182 g
Fat: 148 g
Fiber: 52 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g lamb shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes	1530	132	0	110	0
2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin	239	0	0	27	0
1 large onion finely chopped	46	1	11	0	2
3 cloves garlic minced	13	1	3	0	0
1 tsp ground ginger	6	0	1	0	0
1 tsp ground turmeric	8	0	1	0	1
Pinch of saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water	2	0	0	0	0
400g canned chickpeas drained and rinsed	656	34	112	10	28
400g canned tomatoes crushed	86	4	19	0	5
1/4 cup lentils picked and rinsed	169	13	29	0	15
2 liters beef or lamb stock	60	7	0	1	0
1 tsp ground cinnamon	6	0	2	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped	1	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Juice of 1 lemon	11	0	4	0	0
2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped	1	0	0	0	0
1 tbsp fresh mint leaves chopped	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine lamb, olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and saffron mix.
Tip: Toast your spices lightly before adding them to release their full aroma.
2
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3
Rest at room temperature
Let it sit out for 15 minutes to reach room temperature before cooking.
Tip: Ensure the lamb reaches room temperature to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Aromatic Mix

1
Mix herbs and lemon juice
Combine cilantro, parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
2
Chill mixture
Set aside in the refrigerator until serving.
3
Stir occasionally
Stir occasionally to keep the herbs fresh.

How to Make Rustic Moroccan Lamb Harira with Saffron and Chickpeas

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Browning the Lamb
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the marinated lamb in batches.
2
Developing the Base Flavors
Add soaked saffron mix, cinnamon, and stir in the lamb stock, then bring to a boil.
3
Simmering the Soup
Add chickpeas, tomatoes, lentils, adjust seasoning, and simmer for 2 hours.