Harira (Arabic: الحريرة al-ḥarīra) is a traditional North African soup prepared in Morocco[1] and Algeria.[2][3][4] Algerian harira differs from Moroccan harira in that Algerian harira does not contain lentils. It is popular as a starter but is also eaten on its own as a light snack. There are many variations and it is mostly served during Ramadan, although it can be made throughout the year.[5]
 Harira | |
| Type | Soup |
|---|---|
| Region or state | |
| Main ingredients | Flour, tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions, rice, meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), olive oil |
It is also part of the Maghrebi cuisine, where lemon juice and egg are added to brighten the flavors of the soup. Like Muslims, who traditionally have the filling soup for Iftar meals, Jews break their fast with it during Yom Kippur.[6]
Origin
editAccording to the historian of Jewish food Gil Marks, Harira originated in Al-Andalus.[7]
Preparation
edit
Harira's base recipe is composed of the following ingredients, and may vary depending on regions:
- Tadouira - a thickening mixture made from flour and water and sometimes canned tomato paste, which is added at the end of the cooking process.[8]
- Tomatoes and tomato concentrate
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Fava beans
- Onions
- Rice
- Beaten eggs
- Small amount of meat: (beef, lamb or chicken)
- A spoon or two of olive oil.
The stock, usually lamb, is well-seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, turmeric or another coloring agent like saffron, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and parsley.[9]
Lemon juice can also be added at serving time. The soup tastes best if it has been allowed to rest overnight.[10]
It is usually served with hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with salt and cumin, dates and other favorite dried fruits like figs, traditional honey sweets and other homemade special breads or crepes.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ [1] collinsdictionary.com
- ^ Ken Albala (2011). Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 9. ISBN 978-0-313-37626-9.
- ^ Bonn, Charles (1999). "Paysages littéraires algeriens des années 90 : TEMOIGNER D'UNE TRAGEDIE ?". Paysages littéraires algeriens des années 90: 1–188.
- ^ El Briga, C. (1996-08-01). "Ennayer". Encyclopédie berbère (in French) (17): 2643–2644. doi:10.4000/encyclopedieberbere.2156. ISSN 1015-7344.
- ^ Berry, Vava (2012). Soup: fresh, healthy recipes bursting with seasonal flavour. London: Pavilion Books. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-909108-50-9.
- ^ "Recipe: How to make harira". Jewish Journal. 12 March 2015.
- ^ Marks, Gil (2010-11-17). Encyclopedia of Jewish Food. HMH. ISBN 978-0-544-18631-6.
- ^ "Tadouira". Cuisine Marocaine (in French). Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ "Classic Moroccan Harira: Tomato, Lentil, and Chickpea Soup". The Spruce Eats.
- ^ "Harira Soup". The New York Times.
External links
edit
Media related to Harira at Wikimedia Commons
- Recipe for harira by Robert Carrier at the BBC's Good Food Guide