Harira (Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup)
+3 photos

Harira (Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup)

Harira is a tomato-based soup featured at the center of many Moroccan tables during the month of Ramadan. This version features chickpeas, lentils, beef and noodles in a fragrant tomato broth.

Ingredients

  • extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • beef stew meat

    cut into bite-size pieces

    1 lb
  • onion

    diced

    1 medium
  • stalks celery

    chopped

    2
  • minced fresh cilantro

    divided, plus more for garnish

    ¾ c
  • minced fresh parsley

    divided

    ¾ c
  • water
    8 c
  • 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
    1
  • dry brown or green lentils

    rinsed

    1 c
  • no-salt-added canned chickpeas

    rinsed

    1 c
  • ground pepper
    1 tbsp
  • ground ginger
    2 tsp
  • salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • ground turmeric
    ½ tsp
  • ground cinnamon
    ½ tsp
  • fideo noodles or broken vermicelli
    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef, onion, celery and ¼ cup each cilantro and parsley. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion and celery are softened, about 10 minutes.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Add water, tomatoes and their juice, lentils, chickpeas, pepper, ginger, salt, turmeric and cinnamon to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, covered and stirring once or twice, until the beef and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Stir the soup well; add noodles. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the remaining ½ cup each cilantro and parsley. Serve garnished with more cilantro, if desired.

    Step 3
Harira (Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup)
+3

Harira (Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup)

329 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying and flavorful soup that warms you from the inside out? This Harira, a traditional Moroccan tomato, lentil, and beef soup, offers just that, bringing together rich flavors and hearty ingredients perfect for any dinner table.

This Harira recipe delivers on flavor and heartiness thanks to the thoughtful blend of ingredients. The tender beef stew meat, earthy lentils, and tender chickpeas create a substantial base, while the crushed tomatoes provide a vibrant, savory backdrop. It's the harmonious interplay of these core components, along with a fragrant spice blend, that makes each spoonful so comforting and deeply satisfying.

Prepare for a rich, aromatic experience with every bowl. You'll savor a savory tomato broth, infused with the warming notes of ground ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, that cradles tender beef, hearty lentils, and chickpeas. The fresh burst of cilantro and parsley brightens the overall profile, balancing the robust spices. The addition of fideo noodles or broken vermicelli ensures a comforting, substantial texture, making this a truly satisfying dinner with 329 calories per serving.

While delicious as is, Harira can be adapted to your preference. You could experiment with different types of beef stew meat or even lamb. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the beef and increase the quantity of lentils and chickpeas to maintain its hearty nature. If you don't have fideo noodles, any small pasta shape like orzo or even breaking spaghetti into small pieces would work well as a substitute.

This hearty Harira is a complete meal on its own, perfect for a comforting dinner. It's especially cherished during the month of Ramadan for breaking fast, but its robust flavors make it a welcome addition to any cold-weather evening. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

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