Moroccan Harira Delight
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this Harira Delight, a traditional lentil soup that warms both heart and soul. Combining tender chicken (or beef) with a medley of spices, hearty lentils, and chickpeas, this soup is thickened with delicate vermicelli pasta and finished with a splash of vibrant lemon juice. Perfectly spiced and laden with nutritious ingredients, it’s the ideal meal for cool winter nights or to break fast during the holy month of Ramadan. This cherished recipe is a beloved adaptation from my mother’s traditional culinary legacy.
N/A
Servings
189
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken or beef
1 lb (cut into pieces)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1.5 teaspoons (ground)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (optional, ground)
ginger
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
red onion
1 (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
diced tomatoes
29 ounces (canned, without juice)
water
7 cups (add directly to pot)
lentils
3/4 cup (soaked in water overnight)
chickpeas
15 ounces (canned, drained (or dried, soaked))
vermicelli
4 ounces (cut into small pieces)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your ingredients: chop the celery, onions, and cilantro finely. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight.
2
In a large pot, place the chicken (or beef), spices, margarine, chopped celery, onions, and cilantro. Optionally, include lamb bones for added flavor.
3
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the spices to bloom.
4
Add the diced tomatoes (without juice) to the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Next, pour in the tomato juice from the can, along with 7 cups of water and the soaked lentils. Stir well to combine.
6
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
About 10 minutes before serving, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the drained chickpeas and the broken vermicelli pasta to the pot. Cook for around 10 minutes, or until the vermicelli is tender.
8
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish.
9
For a complete experience, consider serving the soup with warm slices of bread, dates, and boiled eggs sprinkled with cumin and salt.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
28g
Carbs
12g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Harira Delight?
Moroccan Harira Delight is a traditional lentil soup featuring a medley of spices, hearty lentils, and chickpeas, often thickened with vermicelli pasta.
What meats are recommended for this recipe?
You can use either 1 lb of chicken or beef cut into pieces, and optionally include lamb bones for added flavor.
What spices are used in Harira Delight?
The recipe uses turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 189 calories.
What is the protein content of this soup?
This soup provides about 12g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 17 distinct ingredients.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for 2 hours on low heat.
When do I add the vermicelli pasta?
Add the broken vermicelli about 10 minutes before serving, cooking until tender.
Do I need to soak the lentils?
Yes, the lentils should be soaked in water overnight before cooking.
How should I prepare the chickpeas?
You can use 15 ounces of canned, drained chickpeas or dried ones that have been soaked.
How many onions does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for one regular onion and one red onion, both chopped.
What type of fat is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of melted margarine are used to cook the vegetables and meat.
How much water is needed for the broth?
You will need 7 cups of water added directly to the pot.
Is the cinnamon mandatory?
No, the one teaspoon of ground cinnamon is listed as an optional ingredient.
How should the tomatoes be added?
Add the 29 ounces of diced tomatoes without juice first, cook for 15 minutes, and then add the juice later.
What herbs are used in this Harira?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped celery and 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 28g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this soup have?
Each serving provides 4g of fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for Ramadan?
Yes, it is a traditional meal often used to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
What are common side dishes for this soup?
It is traditionally served with warm slices of bread, dates, and boiled eggs.
How should the boiled eggs be seasoned?
The boiled eggs should be sprinkled with cumin and salt.
What is the purpose of the lemon?
Lemon is cut into wedges and served on the side to provide a zesty finish to the soup.
How do you start the cooking process?
Start by cooking the meat, spices, margarine, celery, onions, and cilantro over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, the recipe tags indicate a vegetarian option is possible, likely by omitting the meat.
How do I prepare the vermicelli?
Use 4 ounces of vermicelli and break it into small pieces before adding to the pot.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a beloved adaptation from the creator's mother's traditional culinary legacy.
What is the consistency of Harira?
It is a hearty, thick soup due to the combination of lentils, chickpeas, and vermicelli.
Can I use dried lentils?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of lentils soaked overnight.