Moroccan Harira Soup

Published: June 1, 2026 Moroccan Cuisine ⏱ 1h 10min
Bowl of Moroccan harira soup topped with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge

Harira is Morocco's most famous soup — a hearty, warming blend of lentils, chickpeas, tender lamb, and tomatoes, perfumed with celery, cilantro, and warm spices. Traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan, this nourishing soup is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.

Recipe Info

Prep Time15 min
Cook Time55 min
Total Time1h 10min
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
CuisineMoroccan

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1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

1

Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, and half the cilantro and parsley. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

2

Brown the lamb

Add the lamb cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.

3

Add liquids and legumes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 8 cups of water. Add the soaked chickpeas and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until chickpeas and lentils are tender.

4

Thicken the soup

Mix the flour with 1/4 cup water to make a smooth paste. Slowly stir it into the soup to thicken. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5

Finish and serve

Stir in lemon juice and remaining herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt. Serve hot with dates and Moroccan bread.

Pro Tips

  • If using canned chickpeas, add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from turning mushy.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply omit the lamb and use vegetable broth.
  • The flour slurry is optional — it gives harira its characteristic velvety texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 310 kcal
Protein 22g
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat g
Carbohydrates 34g
Fiber 8g
Sugar g
Sodium 450mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Harira actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and add a splash of water when reheating.
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Rating
4.2 (174 votes)
Stephanie Grine

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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