Last week several days of unsettling blustery weather and a hectic schedule brought on the sudden urge for a comforting soup.

I had recently read several recipes for Harira, a Moroccan inspired lamb, chickpea and coriander soup.  Starting with a beautiful home raised lamb shoulder I put together this hearty soup.  It proved to be the perfect pot of comfort and tasted delicious served with plenty of fresh coriander, natural yoghurt and warm pita bread.

Moroccan inspired lamb soup

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 small brown onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

500 g lamb shoulder or any pieces of lamb meat, trimmed and cut into chunks

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 litre stock, I used home made vegetable stock

1 x 400 g can of good quality diced tomatoes

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander

1/2 cup risoni or other small pasta

fresh coriander leaves to serve

Heat the oil in a large heavy based saucepan or stockpot, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.  Add the meat and cook over hight heat until the meat is browned.

Add the spices, bay leaf, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, coriander and stock and stir well.  Bring to the boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Towards the end add the chickpeas, lentils and risoni and continue to simmer until pasta is tender.  Continue to stir occasionally.  Season to taste.

Serve with extra coriander leaves, natural yoghurt and warm or toasted pita bread.

*Chickpeas, lentils and pasta may be too many ‘bits’ for some people but it worked for me.  Omit any of these for a smoother soup.

Do you have a favourite comforting soup?
Do you feel unsettled when the weather is grey and windy?