H'rira Onctueuse a L'Agneau (Rich and Creamy Harira Soup)

Harira is a hearty Moroccan soup made with lamb, chickpeas, vegetables, and herbs. In this version, the vegetables and chickpeas are blended into a velvety and rich finish and the braised lamb is served on top.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 3 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 48 mins
• Calories: 324 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 pound tomatoes, diced
• 1 pinch saffron
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• cold water to cover
• 1 (7 ounce) can tomato puree
• 1 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 ⅓ pounds lamb leg, cubed
• 1 pound zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 2 carrots, cut into 1-inch strips

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add lamb; cook and stir until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; add potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, chickpeas, and carrots. Stir in celery, mint, cilantro, ginger, cinnamon, and saffron. Cover with water and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Reduce heat to low. Stir in tomato puree and enough water to cover. Simmer, adding more water as it is absorbed, until chickpeas are tender, about 45 minutes. Transfer lamb to a plate using a slotted spoon.

Step 3

Puree chickpea mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Season lamb with salt and pepper; stir back into the pot.