Fez Harira Bites

Introduction to Fez Harira Bites

Fez Harira Bites are a delightful twist on the Moroccan classic soup known as Harira, which is traditionally served during Ramadan. This soup is renowned for its rich blend of spices and satisfying ingredients, and our bite-sized version transforms it into a perfect appetizer or snack. Harira's roots trace back centuries, with Fez being one of the key cities where this dish was popularized. These bites encapsulate the authentic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, making them suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make a batch of Fez Harira Bites, gather the following ingredients:

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Beef
• Tomato
• Onion
• Celery
• Coriander
• Parsley
• Spices (cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika)
• Flour
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by soaking the chickpeas in water overnight. This will help in softening them, making them easier to cook. Similarly, soak the lentils for a few hours before cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

In a pot, heat some olive oil and add the beef cut into small cubes. Season with salt and pepper, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Combining Ingredients

Add chopped onion, celery, coriander, and parsley into the pot. Stir well to combine and cook until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Spicing the Dish

Add ground spices such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, and paprika. Stir the mixture for a few minutes to let the spices release their flavors.

Step 5: Creating the Harira Base

Now, add the soaked chickpeas and lentils along with chopped tomato. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Simmering

Reduce the heat and let the Harira base simmer for around 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Refer to your cooking timer for accuracy.

Step 7: Thickening the Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering pot and stir well to thicken the Harira mixture.

Step 8: Cooling and Forming Bites

Allow the thickened Harira to cool slightly before forming small bite-sized portions with your hands. Use flour to help shape them if needed.

Step 9: Frying

In a pan, heat additional olive oil and fry the Harira bites until golden brown on all sides.

Serving and Enjoyment

Once all the bites are fried, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for an added zest. Serve the Fez Harira Bites warm, garnished with additional coriander and parsley for an authentic presentation. These bites can be enjoyed as appetizers or snacks for gatherings, offering a taste of Morocco in each bite.