Harira

Recipe by: Judith Finlayson | from Sensational Slow Cooker Gourmet

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 4 Hours

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

This traditional Moroccan soup, often made with lamb, is usually served during Ramadan at the end of a day of fasting. This vegetarian version is finished with a dollop of harissa, a spicy North African sauce, which adds flavor and punch. Served with whole-grain bread, harira makes a great light meal. A salad of shredded carrots topped with a sprinkling of currants adds color to the meal and complements the Middle Eastern flavors.

Yield: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
4 stalks celery, diced
2 onions, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground turmeric
1 tbsp (15 ml) grated lemon zest
½ tsp ( 2 ml) cracked black peppercorns
1 can (28 oz/796 ml) diced tomatoes, with juice
4 cups (1 L) vegetable or chicken stock (store-bought or see recipes)
1 cup (250 ml) dried red lentils, rinsed
1 can (14 to 19 oz/398 to 540 ml) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (see Notes)
½ cup (125 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley
Harissa

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add celery and onions; cook, stirring, until celery is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, turmeric, lemon zest and peppercorns; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware.

2. Stir in stock, lentils and chickpeas. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until mixture is hot and bubbly and lentils are tender. Stir in parsley.

3. Ladle into bowls and pass the harissa at the table.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD: Complete Step 1. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready cook, continue with the recipe.

Works best in a large (minimum 5-quart) slow cooker

Vegan Friendly

If you prefer, you can use 1 cup (250 ml) dried chickpeas, soaked, cooked and drained (see Basic Beans), instead of the canned chickpeas.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information does not include Vegetable or Chicken Stock, or Harissa. For nutritional information on those recipes, please follow the links above.

Calories 266kcal (13%)

Calcium 113mg (11%)

Vitamin C 28mg (47%)

Vitamin A 36mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 859mg

Magnesium 86mg

Protein 14g

Sugar 6g

Fiber 16g

Total Carbohydrate 46g

Cholesterol 0mg (0%)

Sodium 424mg (18%)