Harira, My Way

I love Harira. This is a recipe that can be found in many middle eastern cook book. Every recipe is created a bit differently, depending on the region it's being cooked in. I've taken a bit of each, and created the way that our family likes it best. It's literally easier to make than chili. And it's pretty easy to make chili. It also has so much flavor that I feel bad that it takes very little effort to make. Easy win when you're short on time but want to have something healthy. You can make this on the stovetop or in the crockpot!

"Oh! I like this dinner!" –Aaron

If you have additional veggies that you need to use up or would like to include, go ahead! It's super flexible, so feel free to add or swap veggies. You can also use a different grain - brown rice or farro would be really tasty! You don't need meat, but add it if you like (same with cheese).

Harira, My Way

Ingredients (Serves 4, plus leftovers)

• 3/4 box of protein pasta (we love spaghetti for this recipe)

• 1 large carrot, chopped

• 2 medium celery ribs, chopped

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 large cloves of garlic, diced

• 1 Tbsp Cumin

• 1 Tbsp Paprika

• 1 Tbsp Ginger (powder or 1" fresh)

• 1 Tbsp Cinnamon

• 1 25.5oz can of crushed tomatoes

• 1 25.5oz can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1/3 cup of lentils

• 6 cups of broth (veggie or chicken)

• 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Cilantro for topping

• Raisins for topping

Directions

1. Grab a large pot and add 4 Tbsp of EVOO. Prepare the carrot, celery, onion and garlic and add them to the pot with all of the spices. Mix them up and turn the stove to medium heat. Let them sweat it out for about 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.

2. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils and broth. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes until the veggies are soft and the mixture has thickened. Mix occasionally.

3. While the Harira is simmering, cook the pasta and drain.

4. Dish out the pasta and top with plenty of Harira. Top with cilantro and raisins if you like!

If you're using a crockpot just add ALL of the ingredients to the pot, stir it up and turn the heat on low if you'll be gone all day or high if you'll be back within 5 hours or so. Warm, cozy, comforting and delicious! Give it a try!