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Comforting Harira Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Ramadan Tradition Meal

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Comforting Harira Soup is a warm, flavorful Moroccan soup perfect for Ramadan evenings, combining tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or one 14 oz can crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 cup red lentils, washed and drained
  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed
  • ½ cup vermicelli noodles (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and celery; cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture thickens slightly and spices release aroma.
  4. Pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water or broth, then add red lentils and chickpeas. Increase heat to bring soup to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until lentils are tender and soup is thick and hearty.
  6. Stir in vermicelli noodles, chopped cilantro, and parsley. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender but still firm (al dente).
  7. Remove bay leaf, squeeze fresh lemon juice over soup, and stir well. Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally with a wedge of lemon and crusty bread.

Notes

If soup thickens too much when reheated, add a splash of water or broth. The lemon juice added at the end brightens and balances the flavors. Vermicelli noodles can be swapped with rice or omitted for gluten-free. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and double chickpeas. Avoid overcooking vermicelli to keep texture firm.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harira Soup, Moroccan Soup, Ramadan Soup, Lentil Soup, Chickpea Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe, Vegetarian Soup, Gluten-Free Soup

Find it online: https://evabake.com/comforting-harira-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-ramadan-tradition-meal/