Moroccan Lentil Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Dish

Moroccan Lentil Soup, known as “Harira” in Morocco, is a rich, aromatic soup filled with tender lentils, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices. It’s a perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors, making it a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This soup is often enjoyed during Ramadan but is great year-round for a wholesome, filling dish.

Ingredients

To make Moroccan Lentil Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions for Moroccan Lentil Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the Spices:
   Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Lentils:
   Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir everything together.
4. Add the Broth:
   Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Add the Zucchini (optional):
   If using zucchini, add it to the pot about 10 minutes before the soup is done cooking. Continue to simmer until the zucchini is tender.
6. Season and Serve:
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

• For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of saffron to the soup for an authentic Moroccan touch.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the spices.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can make it heartier by adding chickpeas or other vegetables like spinach or sweet potatoes.

Moroccan Lentil Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. With its perfect blend of spices and hearty ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this Moroccan classic as a main course or a starter for your next meal!

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