3 Authentic White Harira Recipes: Traditional Moroccan Comfort Soup Made Easy
Discover the soul-warming tradition of white harira (harira bayda), Morocco’s beloved comfort soup that graces tables during Ramadan and chilly evenings throughout the year. Unlike its more famous tomato-based cousin, white harira offers a delicate, creamy richness that showcases the pure flavors of aromatic herbs, tender legumes, and warming spices.
This lighter version of Morocco’s national soup has been passed down through generations of Moroccan families, each adding their own special touch. Whether thickened with flour for that classic hearty texture, enriched with semolina for silky smoothness, or made with rice flour for a naturally gluten-free option, white harira represents the essence of Moroccan hospitality and culinary artistry.
Perfect for breaking fast, warming winter nights, or whenever you crave authentic Moroccan comfort food, these three time-tested recipes will transport your kitchen to the bustling souks of Marrakech. Each bowl tells a story of tradition, nourishment, and the magical way simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary when prepared with love and patience.
Ready to master this cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine? Let’s dive into these cherished family recipes that have been perfected over centuries.
Recipe 1: Classic White Harira with Flour (Harira Bayda)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup green lentils
- 1 lb lamb or beef, cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups water or broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown the meat pieces
- Add onions, cook until translucent
- Add spices, herbs, chickpeas, and lentils
- Pour in water, bring to boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours
- Mix flour with cold water to create a smooth paste
- Gradually add flour mixture while stirring to thicken
- Simmer 20 minutes more, adjust seasoning
- Finish with lemon juice before serving
Recipe 2: Semolina White Harira (Harira Smida)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried white beans (soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup fine semolina
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, grated
- 1 bunch cilantro and parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Pinch of saffron threads
- Salt to taste
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 1 egg, beaten
Method:
- Cook chicken pieces in butter until golden
- Add grated onions and herbs, cook 5 minutes
- Add beans, spices, and stock
- Simmer for 1 hour until beans are tender
- Mix semolina with cold water until smooth
- Gradually whisk into soup, stirring constantly
- Cook 15 minutes until thickened
- Remove from heat, slowly stir in beaten egg
- Serve immediately with dates and chebakia
Recipe 3: Creamy White Harira with Rice Flour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried fava beans (peeled, soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1 lb veal or lamb shoulder, diced
- 1 large onion, minced
- 1/2 cup each: cilantro and parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for slight color)
- 9 cups warm water
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method:
- Sauté meat in olive oil until browned on all sides
- Add onions, cook until soft and fragrant
- Stir in herbs and spices, cook 2 minutes
- Add fava beans and water, bring to boil
- Reduce heat, simmer covered for 1.5 hours
- Blend rice flour with cold water until completely smooth
- Slowly pour into soup while whisking vigorously
- Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning
Chef’s Tips:
- Always soak legumes overnight for better texture
- Whisk flour mixtures gradually to prevent lumps
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
- Serve with fresh bread, dates, and mint tea
- White harira is perfect for breaking fast during Ramadan
Each recipe creates a soul-warming soup with its own character – the flour version is hearty and traditional, the semolina creates a silky texture, and the rice flour makes it naturally gluten-free and extra creamy. Bssaha wa raha! (To your health!)
Complete your white harira experience with our handcrafted Moroccan serving bowls and traditional tea glasses for the perfect presentation. Serve alongside our premium Moroccan sweets and authentic tea sets to create a truly immersive dining experience. Don’t forget our beautiful serving trays to display dates and chebakia, and finish your meal with aromatic mint tea brewed in our authentic Moroccan teapots. Transform your kitchen into a Moroccan haven with these artisan-crafted pieces that honor the tradition behind every spoonful.
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