Harira

Make Harira at home

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb lamb or beef, cubed (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 6 cups water or stock
• 1/4 cup vermicelli or broken angel-hair pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and parsley
• 2 tbsp flour mixed with water, lemon wedges

How it's made

1. Brown the meat with the onion, celery and spices in a large pot.
2. Add the lentils, tomatoes and water.
3. Simmer for 45 minutes until the meat and lentils are tender.
4. Add the chickpeas and vermicelli and cook 10 minutes.
5. Whisk the flour with a little cold water and stir in to thicken the soup.
6. Add the herbs and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook 5 more minutes.
8. Serve with lemon wedges and dates.