VEGETARIAN HARIRA SOUP |MOROCCAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced or chopped
• 1 medium carrot cut into cubes
• 1 stalk celery (sliced)
• 1/2 cup lentils
• 1 cup white chickpeas (cooked)
• 1/4 cup vermicelli or rice
• 1 cup fresh tomato puree (thick)
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups water or stock
• 1/4 cup coriander (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp saffron
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder

Instructions

1. 1

   --- PREPARE THE SPICE MIXTURE ---

2. 2

   First of all mix the spices and keep it on the side till required.

3. 3

   --- PREPARATION OF THE SOUP ---

4. 4

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add onion and stir fry till it becomes a bit soft.

6. 6

   Add garlic and celery. Stir fry for a minute or two.

7. 7

   Add the diced carrot and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes.

8. 8

   Add the soaked lentils, chickpeas, vermicelli and salt.

9. 9

   Mix well.

10. 10

    Add water or stock, saffron and the tomato puree. Mix well.

11. 11

    Cover the saucepan and allow the vegetables, lentils and vermicelli to cook over low to medium heat.

12. 12

    This will take about 15-20 minutes. The soup will become thick.

13. 13

    Add the chopped parsley and coriander. Also add the spice mixture. Mix well.

14. 14

    Allow the soup to simmer for 1-2 minutes.

15. 15

    Just before serving the soup, add lemon juice. Or serve with lemon slice on the side.

16. 16

    Enjoy this hearty soup on its own or with some pita bread.