Harira – A Ramadan Staple

This Ramadan I wanted to take the opportunity to explore relishes from different cultures and why they are important. Harira is a dished made of herbs, lentils, meat and and other components it’s hearty and delicious. But the important part is that in Morocco every family has it a part of their iftar or suhoor table. It’s a sign that Ramadan has arrived and that the families will be gathering. It is a wonderful dish and very simple to make it.

## **Harira for Ramadan**

This hearty Moroccan soup is a staple during Ramadan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hour
Servings: 6-10

Ingredients:

– 3 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
– 1 bunch parsley, chopped
– 1-2 serrano peppers, chopped (optional)
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon turmeric
– 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (optional)
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
– 1 tablespoon ghee
– Pinch of salt
– 12 ounces tomato paste
– 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed
– 2 tablespoons rice or vermicelli
– 2 tablespoons lentils
– 1/2 – 1 pound stew meat
– Water
– Flour slurry (optional, for thickening)
– Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedge (for garnish, optional)

Instructions**:**

1. In a blender, combine celery, onion, cilantro, parsley, serranos (if using), and a little water. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the meat and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the blended mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in ginger, turmeric, chili powder (if using), black pepper, bouillon cubes, tomato paste, and salt. Cook it for 2-4 minutes
5. Pour in enough warm water to cover the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meat is partially cooked.
6. Add rice or vermicelli , garbanzo beans and lentils. Simmer for an additional 15 – 30 minutes.
7. If desired, thicken the soup with a flour slurry. Make a paste with a tablespoon of flour and a few tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk the slurry into the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt or black pepper, if needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a lemon wedge (optional).

**Tips:**

– You can add a cinnamon stick to the pot for a warm spice flavor.
– Serve Harira with dates and boiled eggs for a complete Ramadan meal.
– Add water throughout cooking to maintain the desired soup consistency.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

#recipe #tasty #desi #food #foodie #chai #halal #morocco #ramadan

As soon as the kitchen starts buzzing with the preparation of Hera I know Ramadan has made its grand entrance this Ramadan I want to learn about different cultures and the dishes that are important to them today we’re starting off with Moroccan harira when I was a kid growing up in Morocco I remember

Smelling har passing every house on my way back home from school during Ramadan har is a soup that is tomato based with chickpeas lentils vegetables and beef what makes har so special is that it will taste slightly different based on the region and family to make it I start

By blending onions celery parsley and cilantro with a bit of water I need to add a little bit of heat Hera is a rich and velvety soup seasoned with a symphony of warm spices like ginger and turmeric it’s thickened with lentils chickpeas and a bit of rice

Orine vermicelli this makes it a meal all in itself har holds a special place in my heart because it is a Ramadan staple Ramadan is the time of of year that turns my heart and my kitchen back to what matters most faith family and the simple joy of a shared meal sharing

Hera during Ramadan is our way of coming together reaffirming bonds and sharing blessings it’s the taste of home and the essence of Ramadan all swirl together in a hearty Bowl I hope you and your family can enjoy some har this Ramadan Ramadan Mubarak it’s fresh it’s refreshing very

Hearty because we love learning about different cultures this is why we cook I would love to smell this every day