Moroccan Harira Soup Recipe — Traditional & Hearty

Ratings

Expert Rating

4.9

95% confidence

Final Score

4.9

90% confidence

Category Scores

9.6

Taste

8.5

Difficulty

9.0

Presentation

9.2

Nutrition

9.5

Value

9.2

Instructions

9.4

Ingredients

9.0

Time Accuracy

9.5

Would Make Again

9.3

Overall

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min

Cook 40 min

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4 25 min
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7 10 min
Step 8

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Base

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices

1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (to taste)

Main

2 cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
1/2 cup brown lentils (rinsed)
1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, rinsed)
6 cups vegetable broth

Herbs

1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Finish

3 tbsp all-purpose flour (mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickening)
1/2 cup vermicelli noodles (broken into small pieces)

Equipment

Large soup pot Heavy-bottomed preferred
Wooden spoon For stirring
Small whisk For mixing the flour slurry

Instructions

1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
2

Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and salt, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3

Add the crushed tomatoes, brown lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until the lentils begin to soften.
25 min
5

Add the chickpeas, chopped cilantro, and chopped parsley into the pot.
6

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering soup while stirring to thicken.
7

Stir in the vermicelli noodles and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the noodles and lentils are fully tender.
10 min
8

Remove from heat, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories 240

Protein 9g

Carbs 40g

Fat 5g

Fiber 7g

Sugar 5g

Sodium 580g

Serving Size 1 bowl

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An exceptionally comforting, aromatic, and deeply flavorful Moroccan classic that warms you from the inside out.

Pros

Rich traditional flavors
Filling and nutritious
Comforting texture

Cons

Requires multiple fresh herbs for authentic taste

Overview

A classic Moroccan soup loaded with lentils, chickpeas, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for Moroccan Harira soup, combining wholesome lentils, chickpeas, and a fragrant blend of spices thickened with a light flour slurry.

Tips

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the deep flavors
Make sure to whisk the flour and water completely smooth to avoid lumps in the soup
Fresh celery leaves can also be chopped and added with the parsley and cilantro for extra depth

Substitutions

Brown lentils → Green lentils
Vermicelli noodles → Orzo pasta

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.