Best & Easy Spicy Moroccan Harira Soup Classic Recipe🍲✨

Recipe Introduction

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that combines bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and warming spices to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This rich, comforting soup is often served during Ramadan to break the fast, but it’s a delightful meal year-round. Spicy Harira Soup takes this classic recipe up a notch by adding a little extra heat, making it perfect for those who love a kick in their meals.

Harira typically includes lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a variety of fresh herbs and spices. Its combination of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins makes it a wholesome meal on its own. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, something to prep for the week, or a flavorful soup to wow your family and friends, this Spicy Harira Soup is the perfect choice.

Difficulty Level and Keywords

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Keywords: Harira, Moroccan soup, Spicy Harira, Lentil soup, Moroccan cuisine, Healthy soup, Ramadan soup, Spicy soup recipes, Chickpea soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌶️ Versatile & Full of Flavor

One of the best things about Spicy Harira Soup is its versatility. While the core ingredients—lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes—remain the same, you can easily adjust the spices, herbs, and even the heat level to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or cayenne. Alternatively, you can add more spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon for a robust, aromatic flavor.

Harira is a wonderfully adaptable dish, making it easy to customize with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand. Whether you’re making it with beef, lamb, or keeping it vegetarian, the flavors are always rich and satisfying. You can serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with a side of crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.

🥣 Nutritional Benefits

In addition to being incredibly flavorful, Spicy Harira Soup is packed with nutrients. The lentils and chickpeas provide a solid source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help keep you full and support digestive health. Tomatoes offer a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the herbs and spices—such as parsley, cilantro, and turmeric—are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

This soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also low in fat, high in protein, and loaded with vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about enjoying a bowl of this delicious, nutritious soup.

🕒 Perfect for Meal Prep

Spicy Harira Soup is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make a large batch, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to reheat and perfect for lunch or dinner on busy days. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make extra and save some for later.

Ingredients List 🍅🌶️🧄

Tip: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your preference.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics 🧄🧅

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Add the Spices 🌶️

Once the onion and garlic are softened, stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for about 1 minute to release their flavors. This step is essential for creating the rich, aromatic base of the soup.

Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Paste and Tomatoes 🍅

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir until it’s well incorporated with the spices and onions. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes to build the base of the soup. The tomato paste adds depth and richness, while the crushed tomatoes provide a tangy, hearty texture.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Vegetables 🥕🍲

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced carrots and red lentils, making sure everything is well combined. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and carrots are tender.

Step 5: Add the Chickpeas and Herbs 🌿🥫

Once the lentils and carrots are cooked, stir in the drained chickpeas, fresh parsley, and cilantro. Continue to cook the soup for another 10 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to warm through and the herbs to infuse the soup with their fresh, vibrant flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice 🍋

Finally, stir in the lemon juice and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the spices and richness of the soup.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️

Ladle the Spicy Harira Soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with extra parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread, pita, or even over rice for a more filling meal.

Test Kitchen Tips 🧑‍🍳

• Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and still enjoy the deep, rich flavors of Harira. Alternatively, if you love heat, add a little extra cayenne or even a fresh chili pepper for an extra kick!
• Add Protein: Although this Spicy Harira Soup is already packed with plant-based protein from the lentils and chickpeas, you can also add cooked shredded chicken or lamb for additional protein.
• Blending the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This creates a creamy consistency while still leaving some of the chickpeas and lentils intact for texture.
• Serving Options: Harira is traditionally served with lemon wedges on the side, which allow you to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice just before eating. You can also serve it with yogurt or sour cream for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy soup.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator Storage 🥶

Leftovers of Spicy Harira Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, so it’s a great dish to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. Simply reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Freezer Storage ❄️

Harira freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information 🥗

Final Thoughts on Spicy Harira Soup

Spicy Harira Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and traditional Moroccan cooking. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply as a comforting weeknight dinner, this soup will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Its combination of lentils, chickpeas, and warming spices makes it not only flavorful but also incredibly nutritious, offering a healthy meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

With its customizable spice level and flexibility to add different proteins or vegetables, Spicy Harira Soup is a dish that you can make your own. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and stores well for future meals. So, whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Don’t hesitate to get creative—experiment with different spices, add your favorite vegetables, or serve it alongside your preferred sides. No matter how you enjoy it, Harira will always bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of Morocco to your table. Bon appétit! 🍲✨

Recipe: Spicy Harira Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Spicy Harira Soup—a comforting and hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine right to your table! Perfect for chilly days, this soup is packed with nutritious ingredients and spices that will warm your heart and soul. 🍲🌶️

Difficulty Level: Easy food ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Keyword: Spicy Harira Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 🥄 1 cup lentils (rinsed)
• 🍅 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 🧅 1 large onion (chopped)
• 🌶️ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 🌿 Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 🍂 Use 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 🌶️ Also, include 1 teaspoon paprika
• 🥄 4 cups vegetable broth
• 🌿 Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 🍋 Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant. 🧅🧄
2. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for about a minute to release their flavors. 🌶️
3. Incorporate Lentils and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Mix everything together. 🍅
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. 🥄
5. Serve: Once the soup is ready, taste it and add salt as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish! 🍋🌿

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

This is an estimate based on 4 servings. Enjoy this hearty Spicy Harira Soup, packed with flavor and nutrition! 🥘✨