Harira Soup
The literal translation of this soup, which is a staple of North African Maghrebi cuisine, is smooth and silky, with the word harir meaning silk or silken cloth. This soup's velvety texture is essential, and the meat stock serves as a base for the flavour. This substantial and tasty soup features chickpeas, saffron, tomatoes, and spices.
It is the soup of choice to break a fast in Ramadan, serving as a robust precursor to the iftari meal. Dried lemons and figs, or dates, depending on the local region, accompany the fresh flatbreads served with it.
The term "Maghreb" (meaning "west") and Maghrebi cuisine refer to the western region of northern Africa that includes Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Boil together (for 1 ½ hours)
1 kg| 2.2 lb meat bones +1 tsp salt +1 sliced onion, in 2 L| 8 cups cool water.
Strain and keep aside. Reserve 6 cups to prepare the soup.
The SOUP
In a "soup" pot saute`
1 tbsp melted smen or brown butter +1tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp ginger powder (or to taste)
1 tsp salt
150 g| 3/4 cup lamb or veal pieces cut in small pieces
Pour in 6 cups of prepared meat stock
half a cup each of fresh parsley and corriander, finely chopped
a few sprigs of fresh mint, finely chopped
½ cup red lentils; washed
Bring this to boil and add
1 tbsp flour + 1/4 tsp saffron, well mixed in warm 3 tbsp stock or water
750 gm /19 oz can of chickpeas. washed and drained
1 1/4 cup fresh peeled tomatoes, pureed into a coulis
2 tbsp tomato paste
Juice of one lemon, adding more to taste
Cover the pot, continue cooking on a simmer for another 45 minutes to an hour. Taste for salt, ginger and pepper.
Serve with dried or fresh lemon wedges, harissa paste and pita toasts and figs and
dates on the side.
Photo credit Sheriar Hirjikaka
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The Route to Parsi Cooking: From Pars to India and Beyond is an award winning book. It has been self published in June 2024. Email at theroutetoparsicooking@gmail.com
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The Art of Parsi Cooking; reviving an ancient cuisine was published in 2016 by Austin Macauley and continues to be available through amazon book depot book depository and from the publishers.
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