Tangy Tunisian Harira with Preserved Lemons

Name: Tangy Tunisian Harira with Preserved Lemons
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 large tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 1 cup green lentils; 1/2 cup chickpeas; 1/3 cup orzo pasta; 2 preserved lemons; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; Lemon wedges

A fragrant, comforting soup with zesty accents

Dive into the comforting and piquant flavors of this Tunisian spiced soup, enhanced by the citrusy notes of preserved lemons.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion

finely chopped

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

optional

For the Soup

2 large tomatoes

peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 cup green lentils

rinsed and drained

1/2 cup chickpeas

canned or cooked

1/3 cup orzo pasta

2 preserved lemons

flesh and rind separated, finely chopped

For the Garnish

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley

chopped

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Preparing the Soup Base

Heat olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté onion and garlic

Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add spices

Stir in ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking until fragrant.

Preparing the Soup

Add tomatoes and tomato paste

Add tomatoes and tomato paste, stir well to combine.

Add stock and bring to a boil

Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil.

Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock for a deeper flavor profile.

Simmer lentils

Add lentils, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.

⚠ Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking at the bottom. 💡 Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more stock or letting it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

Cooking Process

Simmer the soup

Allow the lentils and chickpeas to tenderize in the simmering pot.

Add pasta and preserved lemons

Add orzo and preserved lemons, cooking until pasta is al dente.

Final touches

Adjust seasoning and stir in half the cilantro and parsley right before serving.

Plating & Serving