Harira Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown lentils
• 1/2 cup of chickpeas
• 1/2 cup of chopped onions
• 1/2 cup of chopped celery
• 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and chickpeas and soak them in water for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the tomato paste, parsley, cilantro, green onions, cumin, paprika, ginger, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Drain the lentils and chickpeas and add them to the pot. Stir to coat them with the spices and vegetables.
5. Add the lemon juice and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the lentils and chickpeas are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or Moroccan flatbread.

Verdict:

Harira is a hearty Moroccan soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is packed with protein and flavor from the lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the soup. This recipe is a great introduction to Moroccan cooking and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Serving Suggestions:

Harira can be served as a main course or as a side dish with other Moroccan dishes such as tagines or couscous. Top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness.