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harira soup recipe

Hearty Harira Soup Recipe: Your Vegan Comfort Bowl

This harira soup recipe is a comforting vegan dish that warms the soul with its aromatic spices and rich flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 300 kcal

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!

Notes

Stir frequently and adjust soup consistency as needed. Optional: Add a dollop of vegan yogurt on top for creaminess.
Keyword chickpea soup, comfort food, harira soup recipe, lentil soup, spicy soup, Vegan Soup