Spiced Harira Soup with Fresh Mint Twist
(0 Reviews)
Ingredients
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100 grams yellow lentils
(Rinse thoroughly before use)
-
150 grams Chickpeas
(Soaked overnight or use canned for convenience)
-
200 grams Tomato puree
(Use fresh or canned pureed tomatoes)
-
1 medium Onion
(Finely chopped)
-
2 units Celery stalks
(Sliced thin)
-
30 grams Fresh Coriander
(Chopped)
-
30 grams Fresh flat-leaf parsley
(Chopped)
-
20 grams Fresh Mint Leaves
(Chopped, plus extra for garnish)
-
2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon ginger powder
(Ground)
-
1 unit Cinnamon stick
(Whole)
-
0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
-
1 teaspoon Paprika
(Sweet paprika is preferred)
-
1 teaspoon Ground cumin
-
1.2 liters beef or vegetable broth
(Use vegetable broth for vegan)
-
50 grams vermicelli noodles
(Broken into small pieces)
-
6 units Lemon wedges
(To serve)
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
(Rinse thoroughly before use)
(Soaked overnight or use canned for convenience)
(Use fresh or canned pureed tomatoes)
(Finely chopped)
(Sliced thin)
(Chopped)
(Chopped)
(Chopped, plus extra for garnish)
(Ground)
(Whole)
(Sweet paprika is preferred)
(Use vegetable broth for vegan)
(Broken into small pieces)
(To serve)
Nutrition
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 big bowl (350g)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Calcium: 100 mg
- Iron: 5 mg
Instructions
-
1 - Soak chickpeas:
If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight or for 8 hours. Use canned chickpeas as a shortcut.
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2 - Prep Ingredients:
Chop onions, celery, coriander, parsley and mint. Break vermicelli into small segments.
-
3 - Sauté Aromatics:
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until translucent.
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4 - Add Spices and Tomato:
Add ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon stick into the pot; stir for a minute to release aroma. Then add tomato puree and cook 2 minutes.
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5 - Cook legumes:
Add lentils, chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until lentils and chickpeas soften.
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6 - Add herbs and noodles:
Add chopped coriander, parsley, mint, and vermicelli noodles if using. Simmer for another 8 minutes until noodles are soft.
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7 - Season & Serve:
Remove cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges.
If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight or for 8 hours. Use canned chickpeas as a shortcut.
Chop onions, celery, coriander, parsley and mint. Break vermicelli into small segments.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until translucent.
Add ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon stick into the pot; stir for a minute to release aroma. Then add tomato puree and cook 2 minutes.
Add lentils, chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until lentils and chickpeas soften.
Add chopped coriander, parsley, mint, and vermicelli noodles if using. Simmer for another 8 minutes until noodles are soft.
Remove cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges.
More About: Spiced Harira Soup with Fresh Mint Twist
Spiced Harira with Mint - A Moroccan Classic Reimagined
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup commonly served during Ramadan to break the fast, known for its hearty lentils, chickpeas, and rich spices. This recipe offers a unique twist by incorporating fresh mint leaves, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm spices such as cumin, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. The breakdown of vermicelli noodles adds texture and more substance, while the use of fresh herbs enhances its authentic flavor profile.
Tips & Notes: Always soak chickpeas overnight unless using canned. For a vegan version, ensure broth is vegetable-based and omit meat or animal products if used traditionally. Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing paprika and ginger powder according to taste.
Cultural Significance: Harira reflects Moroccan hospitality and the significance of rhythm — combining quick to prepare with slow-simmering elements. Traditionally it’s a family meal bringing everyone together especially during Ramadan fasts, emphasizing nutrition and satisfaction.
Unique aspects: This recipe balances comforting heartiness with the brightness of mint, making it suitable for all seasons. The combination of high fiber lentils, protein-rich chickpeas, and a blend of warm spices make it comforting and wholesome.
For the best flavor, let the soup rest for a few hours or overnight before reheating to allow spices and herbs to fully infuse. Serve garnished with extra fresh mint and lemon wedges for a pleasant zing.
