When the first whispers of fall fill the air, there’s nothing quite like cozying up at home with a bowl of Harira. This traditional Moroccan soup has a special way of warming not just the belly but the soul. Best served warm, it boasts a delightful medley of spices that dance playfully on the palate. I discovered this recipe while searching for something comforting that also aligns with my vegan lifestyle. The richness of the chickpeas and red lentils combined with the aromatic spices like cinnamon and turmeric makes each spoonful a hug in a bowl.
What truly excites me about this Harira soup recipe is its versatility—it can easily adapt to what you have on hand while still offering that authentic Moroccan flavor. As I simmer the ingredients, the inviting aroma fills my kitchen, steering me away from fast food and connecting me to something wholesome and nurturing instead. Whether you’re preparing a hearty dinner or sharing with friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive in and create this comforting delight together!
Why is this harira soup recipe a must-try?
Comforting Warmth: This Harira soup recipe wraps you in comforting warmth, making it a perfect choice for fall and winter dining.
Aromatic Spices: With a blend of spices like cinnamon and turmeric, it’s a fragrant delight that awakens the senses and transports you to Morocco.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily use whatever vegetables or legumes you have on hand to make it your own, ensuring you can enjoy it regularly while minimizing waste.
Vegan Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, providing a delicious and nutrient-rich corner of the comfort food spectrum for everyone to enjoy.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for an intimate dinner or a larger gathering, Harira is sure to become a favorite among friends and family—every spoonful tells a story!
Plus, if you’re looking to elevate your cooking repertoire, check out my guide on vegan comfort food ideas to keep your meals exciting all season long!
Harira Soup Recipe Ingredients
For the Base
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness; canned for convenience.
- White Onion – Introduces sweetness and depth; can substitute with yellow onion if needed.
- Ghee or Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; ghee offers a richer flavor, while olive oil keeps it completely vegan.
- Water – Essential for the soup base; adjust the amount for your desired thickness.
For the Protein
- Chickpeas – Bring protein and creaminess; canned are easy to use, while dry ones require soaking.
- Red Lentils – Provide heartiness and help thicken the soup; you can substitute with green lentils but adjust cooking time accordingly.
For the Flavor
- Cilantro – Fresh herb that brightens flavors; optional, you can substitute with parsley if preferred.
- Parsley – Offers a fresh green note; use fresh for the best flavor, or omit it.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the overall taste; adjust to your preference.
- Pepper – Adds warmth and slight heat; freshly cracked is preferable.
- Cinnamon – Essential for that authentic Moroccan flavor, providing warmth and sweetness.
- Ground Ginger – Contributes extra warmth; fresh ginger can amplify the flavor even more.
- Turmeric – Adds earthiness and color; a must-have for traditional taste.
- Saffron – Imparts a unique aroma and color; can be skipped but reduces authenticity.
For Thickening
- Tomato Paste – Deepens the tomato flavor; mix with water for a secondary base.
- Flour Slurry – Thickens the soup; cornstarch slurry can be used for a gluten-free option.
Let’s get these ingredients prepped, and soon you’ll be savoring every comforting spoonful of this delightful harira soup recipe!
How to Make Harira Soup
Prepare Tomato Slurry: Blend the diced tomatoes and white onion in a food processor until smooth and set aside to build the soup’s base flavor.
Toast Spices: In a large pot, heat ghee or olive oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and saffron, toasting for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer Base: Stir in the tomato slurry, chickpeas, red lentils, cilantro, parsley, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the mixed tomato paste and saffron to the pot, stirring well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Thicken Soup: Gradually stir in the flour slurry, adjusting the consistency with more water if necessary until desired thickness is achieved.
Serve: Ladle the warm harira into bowls, garnishing with harissa, fresh lemon, and cracked pepper for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy!
Optional: Add a dollop of vegan yogurt on top for creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Harira Soup Recipe Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations to make your Harira soup truly unique and tailored to your taste!
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery twist that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Veggie Boost: Introduce diced carrots or zucchini for added nutrients and a pop of color; this fresh twist makes each bowl even more vibrant.
Greener Goodness: Swap out cilantro for fresh mint or basil to give the soup a refreshing herbal essence that brightens every bite.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a spoonful of tahini for a creamy, nutty richness that enhances the heartiness of the soup while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Citrusy Zing: A splash of fresh lemon juice added right before serving can elevate your Harira with a zesty brightness that complements the spices beautifully.
Creamy Base: Stir in a little coconut milk for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness; this swap creates a delightful fusion of flavors.
Different Lentils: Experiment with green or brown lentils instead of red for a firmer texture; just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Savory Chunks: For more substance, add diced potatoes or butternut squash; these will create a hearty, satisfying chow that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Expert Tips for Harira Soup Recipe
Stir Frequently: Remember to stir the soup every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, ensuring the lentils cook evenly for a perfect texture.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much during cooking, gradually add small amounts of water until you reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, consider letting the soup sit for a few hours before serving. The spices will develop beautifully over time.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley enhances the flavor of your harira soup recipe. Don’t skip them if you can!
Spice Up It Up: Feel free to experiment with your spices. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños can give your harira a delightful kick!
Make Ahead Options
These Harira soup recipe components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting dish with minimal effort during busy weeknights! You can blend the tomato slurry and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance, which helps deepen the flavors. The chickpeas and lentils can also be pre-measured and stored separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine your prepared ingredients, add the spices, and simmer for about 20 minutes to achieve that warm, hearty texture you love. To maintain quality, stir occasionally as it simmers, and add a splash of water if it thickens too much. Enjoy a delicious bowl of Harira with just a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving!
What to Serve with Harira Soup?
To fully embrace the warmth and richness of your next meal, consider these delightful pairings that complement the comforting flavors of Harira.
- Crusty Bread: The rustic texture of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious soup, enhancing every savory bite.
- Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy, a couscous salad with cucumbers and lemon brightens the meal while adding a refreshing touch.
- Spiced Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned with Moroccan spices echo the soup’s spices, creating harmony on your plate.
- Garlic Tahini Dip: This creamy dip adds a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the hearty soup—perfect for spreading on bread!
- Stuffed Pita Pockets: Fill warm pitas with fresh veggies or vegan falafel for a touch of crunch alongside each cozy spoonful.
- Mint Tea: Classic Moroccan mint tea provides a sweet and refreshing complement, cleansing the palate between bites.
Each of these options brings out the soulful essence of Harira, transforming your meal into a truly memorable dining experience.
How to Store and Freeze Harira Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: For a creamy texture, reheat the harira soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Serving Tip: This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, ensuring comfort food is always just a reheat away.
Harira Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use for the harira soup recipe?
For the harira soup recipe, I recommend using canned diced tomatoes for convenience, as they provide the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. However, fresh tomatoes can also work; just make sure they are ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
How long can I store harira soup in the fridge?
You can store harira soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it in the container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop!
Can I freeze harira soup, and if so, how do I do it?
Absolutely! Harira soup is perfect for freezing. Pour the cooled soup into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
What if my harira soup is too thick?
If your harira soup turns out too thick, no worries! Simply add a bit of water or vegetable broth to the pot while reheating. Stir well, and heat over medium until it reaches your desired consistency. It may also help to let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors again.
Is this harira soup recipe safe for people with allergies?
This harira soup recipe is vegan and free from common allergens like dairy. However, it does contain chickpeas and can be a concern for those with legume allergies. Always check for any specific dietary needs or allergies if you’re serving others, and consider adapting the recipe to accommodate any restrictions—for instance, using lentils alone if chickpeas are off the table.
What ingredients can I adjust in the harira soup recipe?
You can definitely personalize your harira soup recipe! Feel free to swap out the chickpeas for other legumes, like black beans, if you prefer. You can also add in other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrients, and adjust the spices to your taste. The more, the merrier—experiment to find your favorite combination!
Hearty Harira Soup Recipe: Your Vegan Comfort Bowl
Equipment
- - Large pot
- food processor
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes Canned for convenience
- 1 medium White Onion Can substitute with yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Olive Oil Ghee for richer flavor, olive oil for vegan
- 4 cups Water Adjust for desired thickness
For the Protein
- 1 can Chickpeas Canned are easy to use
- 1 cup Red Lentils Can use green lentils; adjust cooking time
For the Flavor
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh, optional; can substitute with parsley
- 1/4 cup Parsley Fresh for best flavor, or omit
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust to preference
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Freshly cracked is preferable
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Essential for authentic Moroccan flavor
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can amplify the flavor
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Must-have for traditional taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Saffron Can be skipped but reduces authenticity
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Mix with water for a secondary base
- 1/4 cup Flour Slurry Cornstarch slurry can be used for gluten-free
Instructions
How to Make Harira Soup
- Prepare Tomato Slurry: Blend the diced tomatoes and white onion in a food processor until smooth and set aside to build the soup's base flavor.
- Toast Spices: In a large pot, heat ghee or olive oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and saffron, toasting for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Base: Stir in the tomato slurry, chickpeas, red lentils, cilantro, parsley, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the mixed tomato paste and saffron to the pot, stirring well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Thicken Soup: Gradually stir in the flour slurry, adjusting the consistency with more water if necessary until desired thickness is achieved.
- Serve: Ladle the warm harira into bowls, garnishing with harissa, fresh lemon, and cracked pepper for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy!