Thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post!
Once upon a time I had plans to publish my versions of the national dishes of the countries around the world. Not all 196 countries (yikes!) but many of them. My favorites. I have a few on my blog already but needless to say it’s going to take a while. A long while. Like maybe one day when my kids are grown up and I have nothing left to do but cook. (Okay, so it’s never going to happen.) But I’m adding another one today. Drum roll……
The national dish of Morocco: Harira!
Harira to Morocco is like Boeuf Bourgignon to France in that it’s as much a household name as anything. Every child and adult in Morocco is familiar with harira and it’s served in practically every home throughout the country.
Though eaten throughout the year, harira is the most commonly eaten food during the fasting month of Ramadan. The general manager of one of Marrakech’s most legendary hotels and restaurants noted that “Ninety-nine percent of Moroccans eat harira every day during the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan.” That’s a lot of people eating a lot of harira. No wonder it’s Morocco’s national soup.
There are as many versions of harira as there are cooks, but traditionally it’s a very simple and fairly light soup (ie, consisting of more broth than substance) because it’s generally eaten as a starter to prepare the body for a larger meal to follow. It’s simplicity also extends to its method of cooking in that most everything is simply thrown into the pot at once – no frying, no sautéing, no adding ingredients in sequence. Because the soup is pretty watery, flour or cornstarch is traditionally added at the end to create a slightly thicker consistency.
I wanted to step things up a bit. More complexity of flavor, more bulk and an overall more hearty and satisfying soup.
If you’re looking for a harira recipe with a remarkably delicious depth of flavor that will make your taste buds sing, this is it.
Because Morocco has been highly interactive with other nations for centuries, influenced by many other cultures, Moroccan food is considered one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. The country’s art, architecture, music and literature also reflect different influences. The intricate detail in Morocco’s architecture and art and the bright colors that adorn the goods in their markets reflect the thoughtful complexity of their cuisine.
Moroccan food has always been a favorite of mine and once you’ve tried this soup I think you’ll feel the same way.
In celebration of today’s featured soup, let’s take a little virtual tour of Morocco!
I hope you enjoyed the ride!
Okay, now let’s talk SOUP.
Aren’t those olives in Morocco’s street markets simply gorgeous? Olives are an intrinsic, inseparable part of Moroccan cuisine. For that reason, and because they contribute a wonderful flavor, I thought it was more than appropriate to include them in Morocco’s national soup. They enhance the flavor and texture in a way that only olives can.
I am thrilled to be joined by Lindsay for today’s dish featuring their delicious olives. Our family has been a fan of Lindsay’s olives for years and this year I’m honored to be serving as a brand ambassador in celebration of their 100th anniversary!
For our harira we’re using Lindsay’s Naturals line of green and black olives. These olives are preserved with sea salt and filtered water, nothing else. Unlike most green olives that pack a sharp and potent flavor, the Naturals green olives have a very smooth and gentle buttery flavor that beautifully rounds out the other flavors in our harira. Even if you’re not a fan of traditional green olives, I think you’ll change your mind once you’ve tried these.
And here’s a $1 off coupon you can take on your next trip to the grocery store.
Ready to make some soup?
Then let’s get started!
This soup requires little in the way of prep work and everything can be done well in advance such as chopping the meat, onions, celery and garlic and slicing the olives.
Heat the oil in a pot over medium high heat and brown the beef. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. Leave the browned bits in the pot, those are going to give our harira tremendous flavor.
Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and they turn golden, 6-8 minutes.
Add the celery, garlic and ginger and cook for another two minutes.
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, preserved lemon and harissa (if using).
Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes then return the beef to the pot with the chickpeas and lentils.
Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for one hour.
Add the rice, cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
Stir in the olives, cilantro and parsley and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste and more harissa if you prefer it spicier.
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to deepen. Note though that the lentils and rice will absorb more of the liquid so you will have to add some broth to thin it out.
Alternatively, if you plan to make this dish ahead, you follow the directions to simmer the soup for an hour and then the next day you can add the rice and simmer it for the remaining 30 minutes.
Whether you eat it immediately or as leftovers you are going to LOVE this soup!
Garnish the harira with some chopped cilantro and celery leaves and with a lemon wedge per serving to squeeze in some lemon juice if desired.
Harira is traditionally served with a side serving of dried dates.
Enjoy!
VIEW OUR “HOW TO” YOUTUBE VIDEO TO MAKE HARIRA:
Two randomly chosen winners will each receive this kit of premium Lindsay products!
Congratulations to our two winners, Stephanie and Fran!
BEST Harira (Moroccan Chickpea & Lentil Soup)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 pound beef or lamb ,cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion ,diced
- 2 stalks celery ,diced
- 2 cloves garlic ,minced
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon
- 2 teaspoons harissa (optional)
- OR Homemade Harissa
- 8 cups beef or lamb broth
- 3/4 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight then rinsed and drained (or one 15 ounce can, drained)
- 3/4 cup dried French Le Puy lentils (they hold their shape and texture better than regular brown lentils)
- 1/4 cup long grain rice (another traditional alternative is broken up vermicelli pasta)
- 1/3 cup sliced Lindsay Naturals Green Olives ,drained and sliced (or olives of choice)
- 1/3 cup sliced Lindsay Naturals Black Olives ,drained and sliced (or olives of choice)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium high heat and brown the beef. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. (Leave the browned bits in the pot, those are going to give our harira tremendous flavor.)
- Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and they turn golden, 6-8 minutes. Add the celery, garlic and ginger and cook for another two minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices preserved lemon and harissa (if using) and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot with the chickpeas and lentils. Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for one hour. Add the rice, cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the olives, cilantro and parsley and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and more harissa if you prefer it spicier.
- Garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro and celery leaves. If you like, serve the harira with lemon wedges to squirt in some lemon juice. Harira is traditionally served with a side serving of dried dates.
Video
Notes
Alternatively, if you plan to make this dish ahead, you follow the directions to simmer the soup for an hour and then the next day you can add the rice and simmer it for the remaining 30 minutes.
Disclosure: Thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post and thank you to my readers for supporting the brands I love that help make The Daring Gourmet possible.
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Stephanie says
28 March, 2016 at 11:12 amGorgeous photos! I need to visit Morocco :) And this soup looks so flavorful and delicious!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
28 March, 2016 at 11:34 amI would love to try this soup!! I love these Moroccan flavors. The pictures are just gorgeous and makes me want to go there!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
28 March, 2016 at 11:58 amGorgeous soup and gorgeous pictures of Morocco!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
28 March, 2016 at 12:10 pmCool pictures! So fun to see something totally different. And this soup sounds amazing. I’ll have to try it!
Dee says
28 March, 2016 at 1:11 pmI love the flavors in this soup, and the tour was fascinating — great pics!
Libby says
28 March, 2016 at 1:32 pmI’d put together something fabulous for my in-laws, who are true olive lovers !
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
28 March, 2016 at 4:55 pmI would LOVE to try your soup!
Alisa Fleming says
28 March, 2016 at 5:05 pmOkay, wow. From that stunning soup to those vivid and fascinating pictures of Morocco, I’m now seriously intrigued about both the country and their food!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
28 March, 2016 at 5:55 pmFantastic pictures!! I’m dying to visit Morocco but haven’t gotten my butt over there yet. That said, I adore Moroccan food, yet somehow never heard of this dish. I pinned it to try – it looks SO amazing!
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
28 March, 2016 at 6:11 pmOMG I LOVE the vivid colors, and those pictures from Morocco are just stunning!!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
28 March, 2016 at 6:40 pmI can’t get over how gorgeous this soup is AND the flavors sound amazing too!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
28 March, 2016 at 7:15 pmI’m a huge fan of Lindsay olives – and oh my gosh, this soup looks so rich and satisfying – and beautiful! I’m dying to visit Morocco one day, those photos are gorgeous.
Cookin Canuck says
28 March, 2016 at 7:25 pmWhat wonderful photos of Morocco! That’s a place that I’ve always wanted to visit. I’ve never tried harira and that clearly needs to change.
Ashley - Forking Up says
28 March, 2016 at 8:42 pmMorocco is definitely on my list of places to visit! These pictures are GORGEOUS and the soup looks delish!
Cori Landon says
28 March, 2016 at 8:46 pmI’ve been wanting to try harira forever!! We love olives, too, and I’d love to have this awesome kit from Lindsay for entertaining guests! And for making this harira, of course – honestly can’t wait to try it!
Losh says
28 March, 2016 at 8:55 pmEach of those items would go into making my olive dressing, which is key to my muffuletta’s.
Diana says
28 March, 2016 at 9:01 pmWow, the photos drive you to the country in a minute. The soup adds to the beauty of the land , surely the flavor will bring you closer. I’ll be trying this recipe. Mahalo
Jennifer Essad says
28 March, 2016 at 9:08 pmmaking a delicious antipasto platter for us when we entertain this summer
MaryB says
28 March, 2016 at 9:14 pmI will absolutely be trying this soup. It sounds absolutely delicious!
Marye says
28 March, 2016 at 9:21 pmThat market looks so fun! So much to take in! This looks amazing, full of flavor!
Dana Crawford says
28 March, 2016 at 9:27 pmI am sooooo making this!!! It sounds delicious! And yes please send all the Lindsay Olives my way!!!!
Rosemary Erickson says
29 March, 2016 at 3:08 amI’ve always loved olives, and like to try new recipes that include them. This soup loves delish :)
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
29 March, 2016 at 5:16 amWhat a great idea to present every national country’s dish on your blog. It’s really inspiring me Kimberly. I like your post of this Moroccan harira, like many other Moroccan foods are similiar to Turkish food..definitely will make this. my husband would love it. thx
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
29 March, 2016 at 6:16 amI have ALWAYS wanted to visit Morocco, and the incredible pictures just move it up on my travel list yet again. Wow. And the pictures of the soup are as colorful and inviting as the ones of the city scape. Again, wow. This looks incredible.
linda says
29 March, 2016 at 7:05 amThis soup for sure!
Adina says
29 March, 2016 at 7:28 amThose markets are amazing, the pictures give me “fernweh”. :) And the soup looks so good, such a nice red color and a spice mixture to my taste.
Kimberly Ann @ Bake Love Give says
29 March, 2016 at 7:33 amI just want to dive right into those piles of olives! This recipe looks absolutely delicious. :)
Stephanie Phelps says
29 March, 2016 at 8:41 amI put them to use in my fajitas and in my taco casserole.
lisa says
29 March, 2016 at 12:48 pmthis looks WONDERFUL!!! can’t wait to try it!
Christie says
29 March, 2016 at 3:38 pmWow! I would love to go to Morocco. It looks gorgeous and the food insanely good just like this soup.
Healing Tomato says
29 March, 2016 at 6:09 pmWhat a wonderful and vibrant soup, just like Moroccon culture. I have always wanted to experience the sights and sounds of Morocco. You make me want to get on a plane today to go and visit it, LOL. Great post.
DJ says
29 March, 2016 at 6:59 pmI would use them on top of homemade pizzas and in salads.
SM says
29 March, 2016 at 7:18 pmI use olives in my salads, pizza, and in some other main dishes.
Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner says
29 March, 2016 at 7:38 pmThis soup looks amazing and I love your step-by-step pictures! Perfect comfort food!
Gordon Stanley says
29 March, 2016 at 8:03 pmVery colorful people great pictorial added Harira to my list to make.
Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says
29 March, 2016 at 9:25 pmI love all these gorgeous photos, and the soup looks incredible! Thank you for sharing!
Rose | The Clean Dish says
30 March, 2016 at 8:19 amI have such fond memories of visiting Morocco and of course, the food!! I had some amazing meals while I was there and I absolutely cannot wait to try your Harira!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
30 March, 2016 at 8:26 amThis is SUCH a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos with us!
Mark says
30 March, 2016 at 9:26 pmI just made this recipe today, inspired by the pictures on the post. Indeed it tastes as good as the pictures look. The depth of flavors even on the first day is amazing, and I would say it puts even the best chili recipes to shame. My son is a chili aficionado, and his reaction after the first bite was “Wow, can I have the recipe?”
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
31 March, 2016 at 7:59 amWonderful, Mark, I’m so thrilled to hear that and really appreciate the feedback, thank you!
Sabrina says
30 March, 2016 at 11:59 pmLooks like you had an amazing trip! I love chickpea stew – it’s one of my favorite warming dishes to cook!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
31 March, 2016 at 3:54 amStunning photos! Morocco looks amazing. I’d love to visit there some day. And this harira looks amazing too — I love that there’s two kind of olives in it! I’d use the Lindsay products to make a few different grain bowl dishes.
Amity Wootan says
31 March, 2016 at 6:51 amLooks great! I’d have to make this if I ever got my hands on some olives (*wink*)
Panur says
31 March, 2016 at 7:30 amthis sounds so delicious! I live in Argentina and unfortunately it’d be pretty much impossible to get these type of smooth olives, only the normal packaged kind, which are stronger flavored- what quantity would you suggest of ‘common’ black and green olives?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
31 March, 2016 at 7:54 amHi Panur and thank you! There really is no right or wrong about the quantity, it’s just personal preference and how much of the flavor you want. The olives are added in very last so you can start with a little less, taste it, and decide if you’d like to add more. Happy cooking!
Panur says
31 March, 2016 at 8:47 amthank you so much!
Cori Landon says
31 March, 2016 at 10:38 amKimberly, I just made your harira last night and our whole family LOVED it! I heard more “oohs” and “aahs” than I have in a while, the flavors in this soup really are incredible. Yet again, another winner, thanks so much!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker says
31 March, 2016 at 10:56 amOh my gosh!! I love those images of Morocco! What an amazing destination – and that dish looks amzing as well. I’m a big olive fan, but I’m the only one in my household that loves them :(
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
31 March, 2016 at 11:27 amWhat a beautiful country of Morocco! Like how gorgeous this soup is! Lots of flavors! Can’t wait to try this!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
31 March, 2016 at 10:27 pmI wish I could be in Morocco right now with a big bowl of this delicious looking soup!! The flavors looks amazing and I can’t wait to make this!!
Kendra says
31 March, 2016 at 10:43 pmI’m always on the lookout for more cheap, filling recipes, and this looks perfect. Plus it’d make great leftovers :)
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
1 April, 2016 at 10:15 amYour photos are so stunning! I would love to go there and see it for myself. The recipe looks divine – love the addition of the salty olives!
carol clark says
2 April, 2016 at 3:37 pmi think ill try a dish im not used to to go wild in the kitchen one day or just pizza add some toppings to it
Mishel says
12 April, 2016 at 8:21 amI think I found my lunch for next week. Any idea how briny olives (Kalamata, Sicilian Green) would do in this soup?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
12 April, 2016 at 8:46 amHi Mishel, it’s purely a personal preference thing. If you really like the stronger-flavored olives then you’ll probably enjoy them in this soup. I just prefer these milder olives so that there’s a more even blending of flavors without one thing overpowering the other.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
15 April, 2016 at 9:57 amI need to go to Morocco now and buy all of the things! Gorgeous photos and lovely inspired recipe. Simply delicious food!
fran says
15 April, 2016 at 12:45 pmI went to Morocco and loved it. a chicken stew
Tina W says
15 April, 2016 at 3:38 pmI’d love to try this soup, but I’d also do a slow-cooked lamb & olive dish. Yum.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
15 April, 2016 at 5:37 pmWhat a dish! So colorful (like it’s country of origin!) I just opened a can of Lindsay natural olives yesterday to add to my lupini! I love them, but also use them on appetizer plates, pizza, and lots of other recipes!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
17 April, 2016 at 8:43 pmThis soup sounds incredible! I want to travel to Morocco so bad!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
18 April, 2016 at 12:35 amThere isn’t much better in life than homemade soup and this looks so wonderful! I love all the rich colours and flavours in this soup; I’ve never tried Moroccan food before (at least I don’t think I have!) but this looks fab, so I really must!
Therese says
12 May, 2016 at 3:15 pmCould this be done in a slow cooker?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
13 May, 2016 at 6:12 pmHi Therese, I don’t recommend it because a TON of the flavor comes from browning the meat and frying the onions and vegetables. Throwing everything in a slow cooker and bypassing those steps will result in a far inferior harira.
Greg says
3 June, 2016 at 8:06 amAbsolutely incredible. Made it exactly as written and the flavors are out of this world. Will be a go-to of ours for years to come. Thanks for such a terrific recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
3 June, 2016 at 8:54 amI’m so thrilled to hear that, Greg, thank you!
Lynn M. says
5 June, 2016 at 8:30 pmAmazingly wonderful, a blend of flavors unique and delicious! I happened upon your site when researching “preserved lemons” from a different recipe. Made them, made the harissa, made the harira (with 1/2 the harissa, we’re heat wimps), and my husband and I had our minds blown! The recipe was so good and made so much that I called some friends and had an impromptu dinner party for 6 with the rest of the pot (plus 2 more cups of broth and some garlic bread). It was a hit all around. The combination of flavors is incredible. Now I have to try every recipe on your site! And I don’t even remember where the original recipe that included preserved lemons went to, lol.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
8 June, 2016 at 10:21 amHi Lynn, you’ve made my day :) Truly, I’m so happy you enjoyed this as much as we do! I’m thrilled you found my site and look forward to “seeing” you around :) Best, Kimberly
Jenni Moore says
22 July, 2016 at 3:52 pmAbsolutely A+ incredible!! We’re finishing up the leftovers and already looking forward to making it again. Thank you for this outstanding recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
22 July, 2016 at 3:53 pmThat’s terrific, Jenni, I’m thrilled to hear it, thank you!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
13 October, 2016 at 9:31 amThe weather is starting to get cooler here so I’m on the hunt for soups to make on the weekend and in the evenings! Perfect!
Deneb says
23 May, 2017 at 12:17 pmWhat can be a substitute for the preserved lemon?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
23 May, 2017 at 4:01 pmHi Deneb, there really is no substitute so if you don’t have any I would just omit it – it will still taste fabulous.
shira says
25 May, 2017 at 7:08 pmThis soup is incredible! Husband and baby loved it! Yes, we are training the baby for to have an adventurous palette. Def a keeper.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
25 May, 2017 at 9:58 pmWonderful, Shira, I’m thrilled to hear that, thank you!
Michael says
13 February, 2018 at 2:54 pmI made this soup and it was incredibly delicious. One of the best soups I have ever tasted and those were the comments of everybody who had my soup. Thanks for the recipe
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
13 February, 2018 at 3:32 pmMichael, I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!
Natalie Loftus says
8 March, 2018 at 12:07 pmThis was INCREDIBLE! Made it exactly as written and everyone raved about it!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
8 March, 2018 at 1:04 pmWonderful, thanks so much, Natalie!
BARBARA says
11 March, 2018 at 2:44 pmKimberly,
“My son commented that you have rung the bell” with the Harira Soup. Having served in Iraq (AF Officer), he wasn’t afraid to try everything he could find to eat in his off time. When he went to Saudi he found this “hot” soup served over rice & never stopped talking about it. When I had him look at the featured picture, the olives reeled him in. He said, “I think that is the recipe.” We’ve made it & he is in heaven—he printed the recipe & stored it where I won’t lose it!
Being a military family, my 2 children have a very sophisticated palliate from living all over the world. Consequently, we’ve many of your recipes in our file & expect there will be more in the future.
Thank you ever so much for your generosity in sharing these recipes.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
11 March, 2018 at 10:48 pmI am so thrilled to hear that, Barbara, that really makes me happy! Crazy coincidence but we had my parents over for dinner today and I served…harira! :) Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
Sheetal Shah says
30 May, 2018 at 1:35 pmYour recipe sounds like the perfect go to for a one pot wholesome meal and can’t wait to try it. Also I recently moved to NYC it’ll be easier to source all the ingredients..yay! However my husband and I are vegetarian so I wondered if you had any suggestions for a vegetarian substitute for beef that would work well?
Francine Houle says
18 August, 2018 at 1:38 pmI do not eat beef. Can this be made with mutton or goat meat?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
18 August, 2018 at 2:05 pmYes it can, Francine!
Anna Marie Jordan says
19 October, 2018 at 4:09 pmThis soup is AMAZING! The flavor is so bold and wonderful! Thank you so much for the recipe! Your website has quickly become my new favorite!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
19 October, 2018 at 6:44 pmI’m so happy to hear that, Anna Marie, thanks so much!