Lentil Soup with Lamb – Harira

This traditional soup is served throughout the country and opens the Moroccan dinner feast. Its base of lentils is layered with the flavors of lamb and herbs and is finished with fresh lemon juice.

From Sharing Morocco: Exotic Flavors from My Kitchen to Yours by Ruth Barnes (Greenleaf Book Group)

Lentil Soup with Lamb – Harira

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

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Servings

6 Servings

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Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless lamb or beef cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 3 stalks celery finely chopped
• 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
• 1/2 bunch parsley chopped
• 5 fresh tomatoes peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 2 cups lentils washed and drained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 cups water
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 15-ounce can of chickpeas, washed and drained
• 2 lemons cut into quarters

Instructions

• In a Dutch oven or cast iron pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat and brown the meat on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon.
• Add the onion, garlic, and celery to the pot, stir, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
• Return the meat and any juices to the sautéed vegetables and then add the cilantro, parsley, tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, paprika, lentils, salt, and pepper. Mix well and add the water and tomato paste.
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 1/4 hours.
• Dissolve the flour in the tablespoon of cold water and stir into the soup. Add the chickpeas and cook for another 15 minutes.
• To serve, squeeze one lemon quarter onto each bowl of soup.