Fez Harira Soufflé

A Fusion of Moroccan Tradition and French Cuisine

Fez Harira Soufflé is a delightful marriage between the traditional Moroccan harira soup and the elegance of a French soufflé. Harira, known for its hearty and aromatic nature, is a beloved dish especially during Ramadan. It serves as a warm and comforting meal that breaks the fast. By transforming this classic soup into a soufflé, we bring an interesting twist to the table.

Background of Harira

Harira originates from the ancient city of Fez, which is one of Morocco's cultural and culinary capitals. This soup is rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, lamb, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Harira is often garnished with lemon juice and cilantro, offering a perfect balance of tanginess and freshness.

Ingredients

To create the Fez Harira Soufflé, you will need the following ingredients:

• Lamb
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Tomato Paste
• Cinnamon
• Ground Ginger
• Saffron
• Chickpeas (canned or pre-cooked)
• Lentils
• Lemon
• Cilantro
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Eggs (separated)
• Gruyere Cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Harira Base

1. In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter until softened.

2. Add lamb and brown the meat.

3. Incorporate tomato paste, cinnamon, ground ginger, and saffron.

4. Stir in the chickpeas and lentils, and cover with water.

5. Simmer until the meat is tender. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Towards the end, add freshly chopped cilantro and lemon juice.

Step 2: Create the Soufflé Base

1. Prepare a roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then adding flour.

2. Gradually whisk in milk to form a bechamel.

3. Combine with the harira base.

4. Off the heat, add gruyere cheese and egg yolks, and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the oven and prepare ramekins by buttering them.

2. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold gently into the soufflé mixture.

3. Spoon mixture into ramekins and place them onto a baking tray.

4. Bake until the soufflés are risen and golden brown.

5. Set a cooking timer to ensure the soufflés do not overcook.

Cooking Process

The cooking of a soufflé is an art. The key is to bake it until it rises majestically above the rim but remains light and airy inside. Setting a precise cooking timer for monitoring can be the difference between a perfect soufflé and a fallen one.

Serving Suggestions

Fez Harira Soufflé is best enjoyed right out of the oven, when it's still warm and fluffy. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad to balance the rich flavors. A glass of mint tea is a quintessential Moroccan accompaniment that enhances the dining experience.

Indulge in the fusion of bold spices and cheesy, airy textures that this unique dish provides. The Fez Harira Soufflé is more than a meal; it's an exploration of two vibrant culinary worlds.