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On Day 10 of our Soupy September adventure, we set sail on a culinary odyssey to the vibrant land of Morocco, guided by the enchanting flavours of Moroccan Harira Soup. I planned this soup last month, and as I was researching for this blog I saw that Morocco is dealing with a terrible earthquake right now. Over 2000 people reported lost to the earthquake.

How scary!

My heart is with everyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. 💔

In attempt to raise awareness of the situation, I am glad to have the opportunity to share this delicious experience with you. This captivating creation weaves together a tapestry of spices, tender Alberta lamb, and luscious tomatoes, offering a symphony of taste that ignites the senses and transports us to the bustling markets and aromatic kitchens of North Africa.

A Taste of Moroccan Tradition: Harira Soup

Harira Soup is an essential part of Moroccan cuisine and culture. This hearty soup holds a special place in Moroccan households, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when it’s traditionally enjoyed to break the fast. Packed with nourishing ingredients and a rich combination of familiar yet often underutilizes spices, Harira Soup is a dish that brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness- something the people of Morocco can lean on right now.

At the heart of this Moroccan Harira Soup lies tender Alberta lamb, a key ingredient that infuses the broth with its luxurious flavour and succulent texture. Of course, lamb from anywhere will work, but Alberta lamb has a distinctly mild flavour that adds a delectably rich element to the soup, elevating its authenticity and inviting you to experience Moroccan cuisine like never before. The marriage of tender lamb with a symphony of spices—cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and saffron—creates a flavour profile that’s simultaneously warming, aromatic, and comforting. These spices not only add a distinctive taste but also contribute to the rich cultural heritage that defines Moroccan cuisine.

Moroccan Harira Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Alberta lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups beef, vegetable, or lamb broth (or water will work, but may require more salt)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, green onion for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground turmeric, saffron threads, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4. Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Pour in the broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the lentils are cooked through.
6. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings and spices as needed.
7. Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
8. Ladle the Moroccan Harira Soup into serving bowls. Serve each bowl with a few green onions and a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the soup before eating.
9. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this Moroccan Harira Soup, along with the warmth of tradition and the spirit of exploration it brings to your table.

Note: You can also prepare this soup using an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Follow the same steps for browning the lamb and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to your chosen appliance. For the Instant Pot, set it to “Soup” mode and cook for about 20-25 minutes under pressure, then release naturally. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the lamb and lentils are tender.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or traditional Moroccan flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Crafting Your Own Spice Odyssey:
Creating Moroccan Harira Soup is an invitation to embark on a spice-laden journey that tantalizes the taste buds and transports you to the heart of Morocco. As you savour each spoonful, you’re not just enjoying a soup; you’re experiencing the warmth of tradition, the allure of spices, and the magic of a culture that embraces food as a symbol of love and togetherness.

Day 10 introduces us to the world of Moroccan Harira Soup, where spices, Alberta lamb, and tomatoes coalesce to create a sensory masterpiece. This soup transcends the boundaries of a mere meal; it’s an exploration of tradition, a celebration of flavours, and a testament to the power of food to unite hearts and cultures.