The Best Moroccan Harira Recipe: A Flavorful Lamb & Lentil Soup

Moroccan harira with spiced lamb tantalizes taste buds through centuries-old culinary traditions.

Nomadic tribes perfected this nourishing soup across windswept desert landscapes.

Warm spices like cumin and cinnamon weave complex flavor profiles into each comforting spoonful.

Tender lamb chunks mingle with soft lentils, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, showcasing north african cooking’s rich heritage.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered proteins promise a deeply warming experience.

Savor each magnificent bite – this recipe connects you directly to morocco’s incredible gastronomic story.

What Makes Moroccan Harira a Comfort Favorite

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich lamb, hearty lentils, and nutrient-dense chickpeas, this soup delivers a powerhouse of wholesome ingredients that nourish your body.
• Spice Adventure: Dive into a flavor explosion with authentic Moroccan spices that transform a simple soup into an exciting culinary journey through North African cuisine.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and one-pot cooking make this recipe a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, rich, and deeply satisfying, this harira offers ultimate comfort perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside.

Everything You Need for Moroccan Harira

• Lamb: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the hearty soup.

• Lentils, Chickpeas: Protein-packed ingredients that add texture and nutritional value to the Moroccan harira.
• Small Pasta: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup's consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the meat and vegetables while adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Spices: Complex blend that gives the harira its traditional Moroccan character.
• Parsley, Coriander: Fresh herbs that brighten the soup with vibrant, herbal notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Broth, Water: Create the soup's liquid base and help cook the ingredients.
• Tomato Passata: Adds depth, acidity, and a smooth tomato flavor to the soup.

• Lemon: Provides a fresh, citrusy finish when squeezed over the soup.

How to Prepare Spiced Moroccan Harira Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Lamb

Brown the lamb in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat, creating a golden exterior that locks in rich flavors. Let the meat develop a beautiful caramelized crust for maximum taste.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Sprinkle in a magical blend of warming spices, stirring until the kitchen fills with an incredible fragrance that transports you to Moroccan streets.

Step 3: Combine Hearty Ingredients

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Broth
• Water
• Tomato passata

Stir everything together, creating a robust foundation for your soup.

Step 4: Slow Simmer and Tenderize

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the lamb become meltingly tender, allowing flavors to marry beautifully for about 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta Perfection

Introduce small pasta and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until the pasta reaches a delightful al dente texture.

Step 6: Fresh Herbal Finale

• Fresh parsley
• Fresh coriander

Season with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.

Step 7: Serve with Sunshine

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and accompany with bright lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon over the top for a zesty, fresh finish that makes every spoonful sing.

Cooking Tips for Moroccan Lamb & Lentil Soup

• Swap lamb for chicken or tofu to create a lighter protein version that suits different dietary preferences.
• Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to enhance their deep, rich flavors and release more aromatic oils.
• Reserve some fresh herbs as a vibrant garnish just before serving to maintain their bright color and fresh taste.
• Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock instead of water for an extra layer of complex, savory depth in the soup.
• Check pasta and lentils periodically during cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect tender texture.

Flavor Twists on Classic Moroccan Harira

• Vegetarian Harira: Replace lamb with firm tofu or tempeh, using similar spices for flavor depth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for nutritional boost.
• Chicken Harira: Swap lamb with boneless chicken thighs, maintaining original spice profile and cooking technique. Chicken provides leaner protein option with same rich taste.
• Seafood Harira: Use white fish or shrimp instead of lamb, reducing cooking time. Add saffron for elegant maritime flavor and lighter texture while keeping traditional Moroccan seasoning.
• Quick Instant Pot Harira: Pressure cook all ingredients together for 25 minutes, reducing total preparation time. Use pre-cut meat and canned legumes for faster meal preparation.

What Complements Moroccan Harira Best

• Pair Zesty Moroccan Wine: Select a crisp Moroccan red like Guerrouane with bright acidity that complements the soup's rich lamb and spice profile, cutting through the hearty flavors.
• Create Herbed Flatbread Companion: Prepare warm, freshly baked Moroccan khobz bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar to soak up the delicious harira broth.
• Refresh with Mint Tea: Serve traditional Moroccan mint tea (atay) alongside the soup, offering a sweet and cooling counterpoint to the warm, spiced stew and cleansing the palate between bites.

Save and Reheat Moroccan Harira Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover harira to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled harira into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheat: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour harira into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Your Top Moroccan Harira Questions Answered

• Is harira traditionally eaten during a specific time?

Harira is a staple soup during Ramadan, often used to break the daily fast at sunset. Moroccan families prepare this nutritious soup to restore energy after a day of fasting.

• What makes lamb a good protein for this recipe?

Lamb adds rich, deep flavor and provides high-quality protein. Its tender meat becomes incredibly soft when slow-cooked, making it perfect for hearty soups like harira.

• How do the spices contribute to the dish's flavor profile?

The blend of traditional Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates a warm, complex taste. These spices add depth and authenticity to the soup, transforming simple ingredients into a rich culinary experience.

Hearty Moroccan Harira with Spiced Lamb & Lentils Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Moroccan harira delivers a soul-warming culinary journey through North African flavors, blending tender spiced lamb and hearty lentils in a rich, aromatic broth. Delicious comfort awaits you in this traditional soup that brings Morocco’s warmth and hospitality to your dining table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into small cubes

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or broken vermicelli)
• 1 liter (4.2 cups) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 400 milliliters (13.5 fluid ounces) tomato passata
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Sear lamb pieces in a preheated pot with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
2. Incorporate diced onions and sauté until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, stirring vigorously to release their intense fragrance.
3. Pour in broth, water, and tomato passata, then add lentils and chickpeas, creating a robust and hearty base for the soup.
4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to simmer gently for 40-45 minutes until lamb becomes incredibly tender and flavors meld.
5. Introduce small pasta into the simmering liquid, cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
6. Remove from heat and fold in freshly chopped parsley and coriander, infusing the dish with bright, herbaceous notes.
7. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the complex flavor profile.
8. Ladle the steaming harira into serving bowls and accompany with zesty lemon wedges, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over their portion for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Tenderize lamb by marinating in yogurt and spices for 2-3 hours before cooking to enhance flavor and softness.
• Swap lamb with chicken or tofu for a lighter protein option that works perfectly with the Moroccan spice blend.
• Use gluten-free small pasta or quinoa to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners without compromising the hearty texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini during the simmering process for more depth and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg