Description
Spiced Red Lentil Harira Soup is a thick, aromatic Moroccan soup traditional featuring a base of tomatoes, warm spices, lentils, aromatic root vegetables, and fresh green herbs. While traditional versions across North Africa often feature lamb, beef, or chickpeas alongside noodles, this variation focuses on quick-cooking red split lentils. Red lentils break down as they simmer, creating a naturally velvety body without the need for heavy cream or flour starches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well, then add the diced tomatoes, red lentils, and vegetable broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender. Leave it chunky if preferred.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread or warm pita on the side.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 240 kcal
Keywords: Moroccan red lentil soup, spiced Moroccan lentil soup, vegetarian red lentil harira