Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)

Harira is a classic Moroccan comfort soup composed of a tomato-based broth, lentils, chickpeas, and typically lamb. This version is vegetarian (vegan, in fact) but is just as filling. There are countless versions of this dish, and I stumbled across this recipe on on Instagram account called Lahbco. 

Ingredients

• 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 large white onion, diced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 can of chickpeas or white beans (juice included)
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 Tbsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp saffron
• 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste mixed with 2 cups of water
• 4 oz vermicelli noodles, broken into 3 inch pieces
• Flour slurry (1/4 cup of flour mixed with 1 cup water)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. In a food processor, puree the tomatoes and white onion until you have a smooth slurry. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your spices and toast them for about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the tomato slurry, chickpeas or beans, dry lentils, cilantro, parsley, salt, and 2 cups of water. Let simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are cooked through. Stir every 5 minutes.
4. Bloom saffron threads in 1/2 cup of hot water.
5. Stir in the vermicelli, tomato paste mixture, and saffron water, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in flour slurry to thicken the soup. Add lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings.
7. Serve with spicy harissa, fresh lemon, and cracked pepper

Serves 4.