The rich aroma of Moroccan spices fills your kitchen as this Harira Soup simmers to perfection. Tender lamb, soft lentils, and chickpeas swim in a tomato-rich broth that’s both comforting and complex. This dish is a staple during Ramadan but deserves a spot in your regular rotation for its deep flavor and nourishing ingredients.
A true one-pot wonder, Harira blends the hearty satisfaction of a stew with the soothing soul of a soup. Fresh herbs and citrusy lemon brighten the bold spices, making it a complete meal in every spoonful. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or looking to revisit a classic, this version is both authentic and accessible.
Full Recipe:
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500g lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into small cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 cup red lentils, rinsed
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1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or broken vermicelli)
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1 liter beef or vegetable broth
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2 cups water
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400ml tomato passata
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
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Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and all spices. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add lentils, chickpeas, broth, water, and tomato passata. Stir to combine.
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Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, until lamb is tender.
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Add the small pasta and cook for another 10–15 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
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Stir in fresh parsley and coriander. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4
The Essence of Moroccan Harira Soup with Lamb
Moroccan Harira Soup with Lamb is far more than just a hearty dish—it is a cultural icon deeply woven into the culinary traditions of North Africa. With roots in Morocco and adaptations across Algeria and Tunisia, this soul-warming soup is particularly famous for its central role during Ramadan, when it’s traditionally served to break the fast. Its deep, complex flavors, nourishing ingredients, and comforting aroma make it a year-round favorite that celebrates Moroccan hospitality and spice culture.
Harira combines slow-simmered lamb, earthy lentils, chickpeas, vermicelli or orzo, and a luscious tomato-based broth infused with a rich blend of warm spices like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cumin. The result is a velvety, fragrant bowl of food that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and elegant.
A Dish with Deep Cultural Roots
To understand Harira is to understand Morocco’s approach to food—bold in flavor, generous in spirit, and rich in heritage. Though recipes vary from family to family, city to city, the unifying essence is comfort and abundance. Harira is not just food—it’s an experience.
During Ramadan, Moroccan households prepare Harira each evening as the first course after sunset, serving it with chebakia (sesame-honey pastries), dates, boiled eggs, and lemon wedges. The soup provides warmth, hydration, and nutrition after long hours of fasting. Its composition—protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and spices—is ideal for energizing and satisfying.
Beyond Ramadan, Harira is served during family gatherings, festive holidays, and even as a casual weeknight dinner. It holds a special place in Moroccan kitchens, passed down from mothers to daughters, often with a “secret ingredient” or unique spice blend that marks the family’s touch.
Harira vs. Other Soups: What Makes It Unique?
Unlike many Western soups that focus on either broth or creaminess, Harira is about layered texture and depth. The lamb adds a meaty base that’s far more robust than chicken or vegetable stock. Chickpeas and lentils contribute a velvety heartiness, while vermicelli or orzo gives it body and contrast.
But the real soul of Harira lies in the spice blend. Turmeric lends earthiness and a golden hue, ginger adds gentle heat, cinnamon brings sweetness, and cumin layers in the smokiness. The use of tomato passata instead of diced tomatoes (as seen in some modern versions) offers a smoother consistency and intensified tomato flavor.
Fresh herbs—parsley and coriander—stirred in just before serving lift the dish with brightness and fragrance. And finally, the lemon wedge on the side is not just a garnish. A generous squeeze before the first spoonful cuts through the richness and awakens every flavor.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Bowl
Besides being incredibly delicious, Harira is also nutritionally dense. Lamb provides high-quality protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron. Lentils and chickpeas add fiber, plant-based protein, and slow-digesting carbs, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
The variety of spices—especially turmeric, ginger, and cumin—are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Combined with fresh herbs and tomato, Harira becomes more than just a comfort food—it’s a wellness-enhancing, immune-boosting meal.
This makes it an excellent option for people seeking balance between comfort eating and mindful nourishment.
Adaptability and Personalization
One of the most delightful aspects of Harira is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs:
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Meatless Option: Skip the lamb and use vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly Harira.
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Grain-Free: Omit the vermicelli for a gluten-free version.
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More Veggies: Add chopped carrots, celery, or even spinach for added nutrients.
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Make Ahead: Like many stews and soups, Harira tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to meld and intensify overnight.
And because it freezes well, it’s a great recipe to batch cook and store for future comfort food cravings.
How This Version Modernizes a Classic
The version inspired by RecipeTin Eats uses tomato passata instead of whole or chopped tomatoes. This is a modern twist that simplifies the process while enhancing the texture. The lamb is cut into small cubes rather than stewed on the bone, making it easier to eat and faster to cook—perfect for busy home cooks without sacrificing flavor.
The spice quantities are dialed in for maximum balance—warming but not overpowering. It remains faithful to traditional Moroccan Harira but with tweaks that make it more approachable for global kitchens.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
To enjoy Harira in its traditional setting, serve it with lemon wedges, dates, and warm flatbread or khobz (Moroccan semolina bread). If you’re aiming for a more Western-style meal, a side of couscous salad or even a simple green salad would complement the soup’s richness.
For an authentic experience, serve it in clay or terracotta bowls, topped with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and a glug of extra virgin olive oil. A bowl of Harira, some flickering candles, and Moroccan music in the background—suddenly, dinner becomes a cultural journey.
Why You’ll Love Making Harira at Home
If you love recipes that combine comfort, complexity, and culture, Harira will quickly become a staple in your home. It’s budget-friendly, relies on pantry staples, and fills your home with the intoxicating aroma of spices simmering on the stove.
More importantly, it’s the kind of food that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just for yourself on a quiet night, Harira satisfies deeply—not just the belly, but the soul.
Conclusion: A Celebration in Every Spoonful
Moroccan Harira Soup with Lamb is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural celebration, a nutritious powerhouse, and a flavorful adventure in one pot. It invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and appreciate the richness of Moroccan culinary traditions.
Whether you’re looking to explore global flavors, add something new to your weekly dinner rotation, or simply warm up on a cold night, Harira is a recipe that delivers. With its deeply spiced broth, tender lamb, and comforting legumes, it’s proof that the best dishes are the ones steeped in history and made with heart.
Try it once, and you’ll understand why Moroccan families have treasured this dish for generations.