🍲🌿 Moroccan Chickpea & Lentil Soup (Harira)

Harira is one of Morocco’s most beloved traditional soups, known for its rich texture, warming spices, and nourishing ingredients. Made with chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this hearty soup is both comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a wholesome family meal.

✨ Healthy, protein-packed, and bursting with authentic Moroccan flavors.

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 45 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 6

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🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

* 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight or cooked

* 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

* 1 large onion, finely chopped

* 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

* 3 tomatoes, grated or blended

* 2 tbsp tomato paste

* 2 tbsp olive oil

* 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth or water

Spices

* 1 tsp turmeric

* 1 tsp ground ginger

* ½ tsp black pepper

* 1 tsp paprika

* ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

* Salt, to taste

Fresh Herbs

* ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

* ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Garnish

* Fresh chili slices

* Extra parsley or cilantro

* Lemon wedges

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the grated tomatoes and tomato paste, then cook for another 5 minutes.

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2️⃣ Add the Chickpeas and Lentils

Add the chickpeas and red lentils to the pot.

Pour in the vegetable broth or water and stir well.

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3️⃣ Season and Simmer

Add the turmeric, ginger, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the lentils are completely tender.

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4️⃣ Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in the parsley and cilantro.

Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can fully develop.

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5️⃣ Serve

Ladle the harira into serving bowls.

Garnish with fresh chili slices, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve hot with crusty bread, Moroccan bread, or dates.

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💡 Tips for the Best Harira

✔️ Soaking chickpeas overnight gives the soup a richer texture and flavor.

✔️ Blend a small portion of the soup for an even creamier consistency.

✔️ Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.

✔️ Stir in a handful of vermicelli during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a more traditional version.

✔️ Harira tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

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😍 The Result

A rich, hearty Moroccan soup filled with tender chickpeas, creamy lentils, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs. Every spoonful is comforting, nutritious, and packed with authentic North African flavor.