Recipe: HARIRA ~ Chickpea, Tomato, and Lentil Soup

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘Peasant Comfort Foods for Deep Winter Dining‘.

In Morocco, Harira is served as a daily soup, to begin a feast, or to break the fast in the evenings of Ramadan – the Muslim holy month. This version is much more spicy than the Harira usually cooked in Morocco. (Serves 12)

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 large cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 1 medium hot pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 3 cups stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 9 cups water
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon mild paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4 Tbsp lemon juice

1) Heat oil on medium/low in a large saucepan and stir-fry onion, garlic, coriander leaves, hot peppers for 10 m inutes.

2) Stir in remaining ingredients, except rice and lemon juice, and bring to boil.

3) Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then stir in rice. Cover and cook for a further 25 minutes.

4) Stir in lemon juice and serve immediately.

5) Recipe Note: For an exotic taste, serve with an accompanying plate of fresh dates.