Harira facts for kids
Harira soup
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| Type | Soup |
|---|---|
| Region or state | |
| Main ingredients | Flour, tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions, rice, meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), olive oil |
Harira (Arabic: الحريرة al-ḥarīra) is a yummy, traditional soup from North Africa. It's super popular in countries like Morocco and Algeria. People often enjoy Harira as a starter before a meal, but it's also hearty enough to be a light meal all on its own!
There are many different ways to make Harira, and the ingredients can change a bit depending on where you are. This soup is especially famous during Ramadan, which is a special time for Muslims. During Ramadan, people often break their fast with this filling soup. Jewish people also traditionally use a similar soup to break their fast during Yom Kippur.
What is Harira Made Of?
Harira is known for being a rich and flavorful soup. Its main ingredients usually include:
- Tomatoes: Both fresh tomatoes and tomato paste give the soup its lovely red color and tangy taste.
- Lentils and Chickpeas: These add lots of protein and make the soup very filling. However, some versions, like Algerian Harira, might not have lentils.
- Onions: These add a base flavor to the soup.
- Meat: A small amount of meat, like beef, lamb, or chicken, is often added for extra flavor.
- Rice: Sometimes, a little rice is put in to make the soup even more substantial.
- Tadouira: This is a special mix of flour and water (and sometimes tomato paste) that is added at the end. It helps to make the soup thick and creamy.
Spices and Herbs
The soup gets its amazing smell and taste from a mix of spices and fresh herbs. Common spices include cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Sometimes, a bit of saffron is added for a beautiful color. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley are also very important for the soup's fresh taste.
Serving Harira
Harira is often served warm. Some people like to squeeze a little lemon juice into their bowl right before eating to make the flavors even brighter. The soup often tastes even better the day after it's made, as the flavors have more time to blend together!
People often enjoy Harira with other tasty treats. These can include:
- Hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with salt and cumin.
- Sweet dates or other dried fruits like figs.
- Traditional honey sweets.
- Special homemade breads or crepes.
See also
In Spanish: Harira para niños
