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+ servings
Bowl of Harira

Harira

Harira is a fragrant lentil stew with variations across the Mediterranean and Middle East. In Muslim households, it is traditionally served to break the daily fast of Ramadan. Loaded with ginger and spice and lemon and herbs, it’s a feast for the senses. Other than the fresh herbs, most of the ingredients are pantry items, so you can make it most any time.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean, Moroccan
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion 6-8 oz, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots 6-8 oz, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves 20 g, minced

Dry Spices:

  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Fresh Herbs:

  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro 40-60 g
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley 40-60 g

Legumes:

  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 14 ounce can chickpeas

Liquid:

  • 7 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes

Other:

  • Olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1-2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup brown rice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In prep for this recipe, divide the herbs into three groups: Finely dice the bottom of the stems (which will be cooked with the onions and carrots). Reserve a good portion of the prettiest leaves (which will be sprinkled on top when the soup is served). Roughly chop the rest.
  • Use a large stock pot on medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, carrot and diced herb stems with about ½ tsp of salt and enough olive oil to make them glisten (2 or 3 Tbsp). Sauté until they are softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, tomato paste and the dry spices. Stir continuously and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes. The acidic tomatoes should work well to deglaze any fond that has developed in the pot. Try to scrape the bottom with a wooden spatula to fully release any fond.
  • Add the red and green lentils, the chickpeas, the brown rice, and the broth. Stir well. Increase the heat to high and bring things to a boil. As the soup is heating, taste the broth for salt level. Add salt to taste.
  • Once the soup is at a full boil, turn down the heat to low. Give everything a good stir, then cover and simmer.
  • Stir occasionally while the soup simmers. You may need to add a little water if the soup gets too thick. You are almost done when the lentils are fully cooked and tender. Expect about 45 minutes.
  • About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped herbs (reserving some for garnishing at serving time), and lemon juice. The amount of lemon juice is to taste. Start with one ounce, and add more if you prefer.
  • Serve in bowls with some reserved freshly chopped herbs on top.
Keyword cilantro, lentils, parsley
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