Harira Soup Recipe

This delicious, filling Moroccan soup is actually so popular during the month of Ramadan that most Moroccans think that a meal during Ramadan isn’t complete if Harira soup isn’t on the table! No wonder it’s considered the national soup of Morocco and commonly referred to as a must-try Moroccan dish.

This Harira recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially during the colder months, or to break your fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be easily customized to your liking by adjusting the spice level or adding additional vegetables.

So let’s get started and make a delicious pot of harira soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds!

WHAT IS HARIRA?

Harira is a hearty soup known for its warm taste and thick and creamy texture. The word “harira” comes from the Arabic word “harir”, which means silk. This could be because of the deliciously silky texture of the soup.

This soup’s ingredients are simmered for a few hours to bring out the flavors and meld them together.

It’s a dish that has been passed down through the generations, with every family having a slightly different version.

The one we’re making today is the authentic version, featuring lamb meat for a heartier and more filling meal. But you can definitely skip it to enjoy a vegetarian version instead. 

WHAT MAKES HARIRA SOUP RECIPE SPECIAL?

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF HARIRA RECIPE?

The origin of harira isn’t precisely clear, but it is believed to have been brought to North Africa by Arabs during the 7th century.

Since then, harira soup has been closely associated with Morrocan cuisine, so much so that it’s considered the national soup of the country.

Harira recipes have also evolved over time through different regional and cultural influences. For example, some parts of Morocco make harira with rice or vermicelli noodles, while other parts may use lamb instead of beef.

Even the spices and vegetables can vary, especially as the dish has been adapted to different parts of the world.

🥘 INGREDIENTS FOR HARIRA SOUP

You can scroll down to the recipe card for further details and instructions.

Wheat grain: We will use wheat grain in this recipe for its subtle nutty flavor. It also becomes tender when cooked, adding a slightly chewy texture to the soup. 

Meat: You can use either lamb or beef in this harira recipe. Lamb will have a stronger flavor and slightly gamey texture, whereas beef has a milder flavor. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll absolutely love this Moroccan soup!

Lentils & chickpeas: These legumes add a slightly nutty flavor to the soup with different textures. Lentils will become creamy, while chickpeas remain somewhat firm, adding a pleasing bite. 

Tomatoes and butter: These are both key ingredients in our harira recipe. Tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, amplified by the creamy richness of the butter. Plus, tomatoes will also make up the base of our soup.

Spices: We’ll use some earthy spices to pair with the meat and legumes. Cinnamon and black pepper will give us a warm, somewhat spicy taste, with salt bringing out the rest of the flavors. 

🔪 HOW TO MAKE HARIRA SOUP

Making Harira is easy and it’s the tastiest Moroccan soup you’ll ever try!

The full instructions are in the recipe card below, but let’s look at the main steps to making this treat.

Step 1: 

First, soak the peeled wheat in water for 10 hours. Cover and place in the refrigerator while soaking.

Step 2:

Soak the orange and green lentils for 30 minutes before you start cooking.

Step 3: 

Next, add all the ingredients except chickpeas and butter to a large pot. Let everything boil for 1.5 to 2 hours on medium-low heat until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally. 

Step 4: 

Add the butter and the chickpeas and stir for 2 minutes. 

Step 5: 

Garnish the soup with chopped parsley and serve it with your favorite bread. 

Your delicious Harira is ready to be served!

💭 EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT HARIRA

• Some recipes call for frying the onion and meat and then adding the rest of the ingredients, I preferred to make it this way, and it is one of the ways to cook this soup; however, adding the butter at the end makes the soup richer and adds more flavor.
• You can use beef cubes instead of lamb, but the cooking time will be longer.
• If you wish to use dry chickpeas, soak them in a separate bowl for 10 hours, covered in the fridge, and add them when you add the legumes to the soup.
• You can skip the meat to make this soup vegetarian and use vegetable bouillon. The soup will still taste amazing.
• If you prefer the soup to be thinner, add more water at the end of cooking and let the soup boil for three minutes on medium-low.

📖 VARIATIONS FOR HARIRA SOUP RECIPE

Harira is such a versatile and delicious soup that you can easily customize it to your own tastes. Here are some variations you can try:

Vegetables: For an extra healthy twist, add some chopped carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, or other vegetables of your choice. You can also substitute peas for the chickpeas if desired.

Meat: You can also change up the meat in your harira to customize the flavor even more. Go for chicken, meat, or turkey, or skip them altogether for a vegetarian version!

Spicy: For a spicier version, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to add more spice and heat to your delicious soup.

Fresh herbs: You can also garnish it with some herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, to add an additional layer of flavor to your soup.

🌡️ HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER

You can store Harira leftovers in the refrigerator for three to four days. It will thicken slightly, so whisk it thoroughly while simmering over low heat, and if you believe it’s still too thick, gradually pour in water until you reach the appropriate consistency, then serve.

You can also freeze harira for up to three months. Make sure you let it thaw completely before reheating and adjusting for consistency.

RELATED RECIPES

• Chicken enchilada soup.
• Chicken mushroom soup.
• Cream of chicken soup.
• Turkish lentil soup.
• Chicken noodle soup.

⭐ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried my Harira Soup recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience.