Vegetarian Harira Soup

[Al-khiyal]

Vegetarian Harira Soup

Serves 6

Start this soup a day ahead for perfect results. It's from Jose Salgado, the chef at the North African restaurant Nomad, which is in the East village.

This classic Algerian and Moroccan soup typically is made with lamb or chicken and it's a meal in itself. Harira is eaten for dinner during the month of Ramadan and also served at special family celebrations. This meatless version is robust and filling. The chamira thickens the soup and adds flavor.

For the chamira:

4 tablespoons flour

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons white vinegar

For the soup:

4 tablespoons corn oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

2 ripe tomatoes, about 1 pound, chopped

10 sprigs fresh coriander, chopped

6 sprigs flatleaf parsley, chopped

4 stalks celery, strings removed and sliced

1 teaspoon salt or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

7 cups water

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight in water to cover and drained

1/4 cup green or brown lentils, soaked overnight in water to cover and drained

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Prepare the chamira: In small bowl, mix flour, water and vinegar. Cover the bowl and allow to stand in a warm place overnight to ferment. This will be added to the soup toward the end of the cooking.

Meanwhile, place oil and onion in large pan. Saute for 5 minutes, until the onion is golden. Add tomatoes, coriander, parsley, celery, salt, pepper, caraway, cinnamon and turmeric. Mix well. Add the water and bring to the boil. Add chickpeas and lentils, cover the pan and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.

Add the tomato paste and the chamira. Simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the soup from the heat. Serve warm with lemon wedges, squeezing as much lemon juice into the soup as you like.

[Yazou]

I personally would leave Harira for the Morrocans, they are the experts in my book. I will enjoy it every time I have a chance. I will make Chorba instead...

[Bent_Bladi]

lol, i would leave it to my cousin.... she makes the BEST

[nesreen]

I love making Harira during ramadan . Shorba does not do it for me in ramadan . But Hubby prefers Chinese soup, chicken and rice noodles , and so do the kids . So i sometimes make the harira for myself only and i enjoy it . Plenty of Lamb in it too .

[eyad]

all regards to this section !!!