🇲🇦 Morocco · Food

Harira (Moroccan Soup)

90 min
A recipe worth the effort
🔥 550 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Harira (Moroccan Soup)🇲🇦 MAMichal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A soul-warming, protein-rich soup often served during Ramadan. It is an aromatic blend of lentils, chickpeas, and tender beef in a thick, tomato-based broth.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a large pot, sauté the diced 600g of beef and 2 finely chopped onions in 50ml of olive oil until the meat is browned.

  • 2

    Stir in 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of ginger, and the finely chopped cilantro, cooking for 3 minutes until aromatic.

  • 3

    Add 250g of chickpeas and 100g of lentils to the pot, then pour in 2 liters of water to cover everything well.

  • 4

    Bring to a boil, cover the pot, and simmer over low heat for 60 minutes until the meat and pulses are tender.

  • 5

    Stir in the 2 tbsp of tomato paste, ensuring it dissolves completely into the broth to deepen the color and flavor.

  • 6

    Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, cohesive soup.

  • 7

    Check the consistency; if you prefer it thicker, you may stir in a little flour mixed with cold water and cook for a few more minutes.

  • 8

    Serve piping hot, typically with a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the deep savory notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?+

Yes, simply omit the beef and use vegetable stock for a delicious and equally protein-dense meatless soup.

What is the best cut of beef?+

The best cut is beef chuck or shoulder, as these cuts benefit from the long simmering time and become meltingly tender.

Is Harira supposed to be thick?+

Yes, Harira is traditionally thickened slightly with flour or cornstarch to give it a hearty, comforting consistency.

How long does it keep?+

Harira tastes even better the next day; store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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