Harira Tajine

Harira Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish known for its rich and warming flavors. It's a staple in Moroccan cuisine, particularly served during the month of Ramadan to break the fast. The dish has a deep-rooted history and cultural significance, symbolizing warmth, love, and sharing.

Originating from Morocco, Harira is often described as a soup, but when prepared in a tagine, it transforms into a hearty stew. The name 'Harira' comes from the Arabic word 'hareer,' which means silk, referring to the silky texture of the soup after hours of simmering.

Ingredients

To create an authentic Harira Tajine, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chickpeas - 1 cup, soaked overnight
• Lentils - 1/2 cup
• Beef or lamb - 400 grams, cut into small pieces
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomatoes - 2 large, peeled and diced
• Celery - 2 stalks, chopped
• Coriander - a small bunch, chopped
• Parsley - a small bunch, chopped
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Saffron threads - a pinch
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - from 1 lemon
• Water - 6-8 cups, as needed

Preparation

Before you begin cooking, it's important to prepare all ingredients and have them ready. This will ensure a smooth cooking process:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl of water to ensure they soften and are easy to cook.
2. Peel and dice the onion, tomatoes, and chop the celery, coriander, and parsley.
3. Cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Process

The cooking process for Harira Tajine is all about layering flavors and allowing them to meld together over a slow, simmering heat:

Step 2: Browning the Meat

1. Heat a large olive oil in a tagine or large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in the beef or lamb pieces and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Spices

1. Add the diced tomatoes, celery, coriander, and parsley to the pot.
2. Season with ginger, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
3. Stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Allow these ingredients to cook together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmering the Soup

1. Pour in about 6-8 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the soaked chickpeas and lentils into the pot.
3. Lower the heat to allow the mixture to simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chickpeas and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Occasionally check the liquid level and add more water if needed, ensuring the contents are always covered.

Step 5: Thickening the Harira

1. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
2. Slowly add this slurry to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Let the soup cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

Serving the Harira Tajine

Once the Harira is done, it is ready to be enjoyed:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving to enhance the flavors.
• Serve hot in bowls, garnished with extra coriander or parsley.
• Accompany the dish with traditional Moroccan bread for a complete meal.

Enjoying and Storing

Harira Tajine is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Its deep flavors are perfect for a cozy dinner or as a hearty meal to break a fast. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving. The flavors often deepen when enjoyed the next day.