Zesty Moroccan Harira with Chickpeas and Lentils

Name: Zesty Moroccan Harira with Chickpeas and Lentils
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup carrot, diced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 2 cups water; 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato paste; 1/2 tsp saffron threads; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup basmati rice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lemon wedges for serving

A hearty and spicy Moroccan soup filled with vibrant flavors

A traditional Moroccan soup combining chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes, infused with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, perfect for warming up on a cool day.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Base Soup

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup carrot, diced

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground turmeric

For the Tomato Broth

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups water

2 cups canned crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato paste

1/2 tsp saffron threads

For the Legumes

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup basmati rice

For the Finishing Touches

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

Marinating the Broth

Warm oil

In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté onions and garlic

Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.

Add celery and carrots

Stir in celery and carrots, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Combine spices

Mix ground cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric together.

Toast spices

Add spices to the pot with onions and veggies, sauté for another 2 minutes.

Toast spices lightly before adding to enhance their flavors.

Add liquids

Pour in broth, water, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, and stir well.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Broth

Allow the mixture to simmer on a low heat after bringing to a boil.

Adding Legumes

Add chickpeas, lentils, and rice after the broth has simmered for 20 minutes.

Final Touches

Stir in chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Plating & Serving