Warm your soul with the hearty goodness of Moroccan Harira Soup with Chicken. This rich and nourishing soup is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, known for its deep flavors from tender chicken, robust tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, all infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy evening, this soup is not just a meal but an experience of comfort and tradition.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 250ml)
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cubed: 500g (1.1 pounds or 17.6 ounces)
- Olive oil: 15ml (1 tablespoon)
- Onion, finely chopped: 100g (3.5 ounces)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 2 (about 10g)
- Ground cumin: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cinnamon: 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Ground turmeric: 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Fresh tomatoes, pureed: 400g (14 ounces)
- Chicken stock: 1 liter (about 4 cups)
- Lentils, rinsed: 100g (3.5 ounces)
- Chickpeas, cooked: 150g (5.3 ounces)
- Fresh coriander, chopped: 30g (1 ounce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 30g (1 ounce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken cubes and cook until they turn white.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in pureed tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
- Add Lentils and Chickpeas: Add lentils and chickpeas. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped coriander and parsley.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Slow Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer slowly to develop the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Adjust Thickness: Add more stock or water if the soup is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be a good substitute for fresh.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
How long can I store the soup?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.