NORTH AFRICA / MOROCCO

Moroccan harira

A comforting tomato, lentil and chickpea soup often enjoyed during Ramadan and family gatherings. Recipes vary from one household and region to another.

◷ 55 minutes✳ Medium♡ Save for later (preview)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Ingredients.

Gather everything before you begin. Tick each item as you prepare it.

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
400 g chopped tomatoes
100 g brown or green lentils, rinsed
200 g cooked chickpeas
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1 litre vegetable stock
Fresh coriander and parsley
Lemon wedges

Quantities are a starting guide for home cooking. Adjust seasoning and portions to taste.

LET'S GET COOKING

Method.

A patient simmer gives the lentils time to soften and lets the spices settle into the tomato base.

Warm the olive oil in a large pot. Soften the onion and celery for 5–7 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.
Add lentils and stock. Simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25–30 minutes.
Add chickpeas and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add water if you prefer a lighter soup.
Finish with chopped herbs, adjust seasoning and serve with lemon.

A FEW GOOD DETAILS

Make it your own.

Small choices can make a home-cooked dish feel personal.

GUSTORA KITCHEN NOTES

For a fuller soup, mash a spoonful of chickpeas against the side of the pot near the end.
Add the herbs close to serving so their freshness remains bright.
Serve with lemon wedges and warm bread; loosen leftovers with a splash of water.

KEEPING & LEFTOVERS

Save a little for later.

Cool promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until piping hot, adding a little water if it thickens.

Food safety note: cool and refrigerate promptly; reheat leftovers thoroughly.

A QUICK NUTRITION GUIDE

Know what's on your plate.

Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies with ingredients, brands and portion sizes.

310kcal

15gProtein

48gCarbs

8gFat

Editorial estimates only — not laboratory analysis or medical nutrition advice.