Vegetable Soup gets a color-and-comfort boost with Harira, a North African classic often served to break fasts in Ramadan. This version layers tomato, lentils, and chickpeas with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a whisper of cinnamon for warmth. It’s satisfying, economical, and exactly the kind of dinner that tastes even better the next day.
What Makes Harira Special
Harira is built on pantry ingredients yet feels celebratory. The spices bloom briefly in oil, unlocking aroma and giving the broth a deep, brick-red hue. Lentils soften to silky tenderness while chickpeas keep their shape, so every spoonful is hearty and textured. A squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness and lifts the spices.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14–15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Sauté & bloom: Warm oil over medium heat. Cook onion with a pinch of salt until translucent; add garlic. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon for 30 seconds.
- Build the base: Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute to deepen the color.
- Simmer: Add lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and broth. Season and simmer 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Finish & serve: Stir in herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve with lemon.
Health Benefits
- Macro balance: Legumes supply plant-based protein and slow-digesting carbs.
- Spice support: Turmeric and cumin bring antioxidant compounds that pair well with a wholesome diet.
- Gentle on budgets: Shelf-stable ingredients stretch into multiple meals.
Pro Tips
- Texture tweak: Blend 1 cup of soup and stir back in for a creamier body—no dairy needed.
- Meal prep win: Portion into jars for grab-and-go lunches.
- Heat control: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like it spicier.
Variations
- Veg boost: Add small-diced carrot or zucchini; simmer until tender.
- Herby finish: Swap parsley for cilantro or mix both.
- Grain path: Fold in a handful of cooked rice or broken vermicelli during the last 5 minutes.
Storage & Serving
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding water if thick. Serve with lemon and a crisp salad for balance.
Wrap-Up
Pinned under Vegetarian Soup Recipes or Winter Soup, this Harira proves Vegetable Soup can be bold, nourishing, and weeknight-easy. Blend, simmer, and enjoy a bowl that warms from the inside out.
