VEGETARIAN HARIRA SOUP |MOROCCAN VEGETABLE SOUP
Vegetarian Harira Soup is a classic Moroccan Soup made withe lentils, chickpeas, fresh herbs and warming spices. This hearty, healthy soup is a meal on its own. Comforting during the cold season, it is easy to put this together.Serve it on its own or with some pita bread
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced or chopped
- 1 medium carrot cut into cubes
- 1 stalk celery sliced
- ½ cup lentils
- 1 cup white chickpeas cooked
- ¼ cup vermicelli or rice
- 1 cup fresh tomato puree thick
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water or stock
- ¼ cup coriander finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp saffron
FOR THE SPICE MIXTURE
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder
Instructions
PREPARE THE SPICE MIXTURE
- First of all mix the spices and keep it on the side till required.
PREPARATION OF THE SOUP
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and stir fry till it becomes a bit soft.
- Add garlic and celery. Stir fry for a minute or two.
- Add the diced carrot and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the soaked lentils, chickpeas, vermicelli and salt.
- Mix well.
- Add water or stock, saffron and the tomato puree. Mix well.
- Cover the saucepan and allow the vegetables, lentils and vermicelli to cook over low to medium heat.
- This will take about 15-20 minutes. The soup will become thick.
- Add the chopped parsley and coriander. Also add the spice mixture. Mix well.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Just before serving the soup, add lemon juice. Or serve with lemon slice on the side.
- Enjoy this hearty soup on its own or with some pita bread.
Notes
- To make fresh tomato puree, cut 4-6 tomatoes into chunks and put them in a saucepan. Add 2 tbsp water. Cover the pan and cook the tomatoes over low heat till soft. Puree the cooked tomatoes in a blender.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste.
- You can add other vegetables of your choice.
- Replace vermicelli with rice.
- Use harissa paste or powder instead of cayenne powder.