Moroccan Harira Soup

A Culinary Odyssey: Moroccan Harira Soup Magic

Embark on a journey of flavors with our Moroccan Harira Soup, a soul-warming dish that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. This hearty soup, rich with lamb, lentils, and an array of aromatic spices, is a celebration of textures and tastes that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco. Join us as we unravel the secrets of crafting this culinary masterpiece, complete with cook notes, variations, and specially crafted keto and low-carb versions.

Ingredients:

Meat:

  • 12 oz Lamb shoulder, boneless

Produce:

  • 2 Celery ribs with leaves, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
  • 3/4 cup Green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 Yellow onion, large, finely chopped

Canned Goods:

  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste

Pasta & Grains:

  • 1/2 cup Vermicelli

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil

Nuts & Seeds:

  • 1 tsp Ground cumin

Liquids:

  • 2 1/8 cups Water

Instructions:

Step 1: Lamb Prelude

Lamb Love:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the lamb shoulder, seasoned with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. This step imparts a rich flavor to the soup.

Aromatic Assembly:

Add chopped onions, minced garlic, ground ginger, and ground coriander to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 2: Spice Symphony

Flavor Unveiling:

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the lamb and aromatic mixture. Stir well to ensure the flour coats the ingredients, creating a flavorful base.

Spice Elevation:

Introduce cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Let the spices bloom, filling your kitchen with the enchanting aroma of Moroccan cuisine.

Step 3: Vegetable Vibrance

Tomato Tango:

Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine. This creates a luscious tomato base for the soup.

Lentil Legacy:

Toss in rinsed green lentils, chickpeas, and chopped celery. These ingredients bring a hearty texture to the soup.

Broth Ballet:

Pour in chicken broth and water, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Serenade

Lid-on Love:

Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld, the lamb to become tender, and the lentils to soak up the savory broth.

Step 5: Pasta Pas de Deux

Vermicelli Venture:

Add vermicelli to the pot and continue simmering until the pasta is cooked through. This step completes the soup with a touch of Moroccan elegance.

Step 6: Citrus Crescendo

Lemon Luminescence:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, adding a burst of citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the lamb.

Step 7: Herbal Harmony

Herb Ensemble:

Stir in chopped cilantro and parsley, allowing the fresh herbs to infuse their aromatic essence into the soup.

Step 8: Taste Test Waltz

Flavor Finale:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Moroccan cuisine often balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, so feel free to customize the spice levels to your liking.

Step 9: Serve with Elegance

Bowl Beauty:

Ladle the Moroccan Harira Soup into bowls, ensuring each serving is a delightful blend of lamb, lentils, and aromatic spices.

Garnish Grandeur:

Consider garnishing each bowl with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a visually stunning presentation.

Cook Notes:

Lentil Love:

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.

Flavor Fusion:

Feel free to experiment with additional Moroccan spices like turmeric, saffron, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a personalized touch.

Variations:

Chickpea Chorus – Garbanzo Galore

Chickpea Celebration:

Increase the quantity of chickpeas for a heartier soup with added protein and fiber.

Vegetable Verve – Garden Medley

Veggie Extravaganza:

Incorporate additional vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the soup’s nutritional profile.

Keto Versions:

Cauliflower Cloud – Low-Carb Cauldron

Cauliflower Swap:

Replace the vermicelli with cauliflower florets to create a low-carb alternative that maintains the heartiness without the extra carbs.

Keto Roux – Flourless Wonder

Almond Flour Infusion:

Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for a keto-friendly thickening agent.

Low Carb Evolution:

Zoodle Zen – Veggie Variation

Zucchini Ribbon Magic:

Replace vermicelli with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, vegetable-packed twist.

Broccoli Bliss – Green Goodness

Broccoli Bounty:

Add bite-sized broccoli florets to the soup for added crunch and a nutrient-rich boost.

Soup Serenity:

In conclusion, our Moroccan Harira Soup is a bowl of serenity and spice, capturing the magic of Moroccan cuisine. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore variations, or adapt to keto and low-carb preferences, this soup promises to be a soul-soothing delight. Share this culinary journey with friends and family, creating cherished moments around a steaming bowl of Moroccan warmth. So, savor each spoonful, revel in the soup serenity, and let this Moroccan Harira Soup become a beloved tradition in your home.