Moroccan harira

This is a healthy vegetarian version of the classic Moroccan soup with plenty of cumin, turmeric and cinnamon, each offering different health benefits, plus it's low in fat and calories too

Prep:15 mins
Cook:40 mins
Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 335
fat 6g
saturates 1g
carbs 48g
sugars 21g
fibre 13g
protein 16g
salt 0.2g

Ingredients

1-2 tbsp rapeseed oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
2 red chillies, deseeded and sliced
500g carton passata
1.7l reduced-salt vegetable bouillon
175 dried green lentils
2 carrots, chopped into small pieces
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
5 celery sticks, chopped into small pieces
2/3 small pack coriander, few sprigs reserved, the rest chopped
1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges, to serve

Tip

Seal in goodness

Adding coriander after cooking helps protect its beneficial oils and flavour.

Health benefits of spices

Turmeric is good for heart and brain health, and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Cumin improves blood circulation, while cinnamon is a digestive aid and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Method

Heat the oil in a large non-stick sauté pan over a medium heat and fry the onions and garlic until starting to soften. Tip in the spices and chilli, stir briefly, then pour in the passata and stock. Add the lentils, carrots, sweet potato and celery, and bring to the boil.
Cover the pan and leave to simmer for 30 mins, then cook uncovered for a further 5-10 mins until the vegetables and lentils are tender. Stir in the chopped coriander and serve in bowls with lemon wedges for squeezing over, and the reserved coriander sprinkled over.