Harira Soup Patties
MoroccanAppetizer

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

These innovative patties reimagine the beloved Harira soup as a handheld appetizer. Combining protein-rich chickpeas and lentils with the warm spices of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, each patty delivers the essence of traditional harira in a crispy, golden exterior. The addition of fresh cilantro and parsley brings brightness, while a hint of tomato paste adds depth. Shaped into small rounds and pan-fried until crispy, these patties are served warm with a cooling yogurt dipping sauce. This creative adaptation honors the flavors of the classic soup while offering a new way to enjoy these time-honored ingredients at gatherings and celebrations.

Instructions

step by step
0/10 done
  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and lentils thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

  2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, lentils, chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Pulse until mixture is coarsely ground but not pureed, leaving some texture.

  3. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add flour, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

  4. Finely chop cilantro and parsley, then fold into the mixture. Add one beaten egg and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.

  5. Refrigerate mixture for 15 minutes to firm up. Meanwhile, beat the remaining egg in a shallow dish for coating.

  6. Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into small patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with remaining mixture.

  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each patty in beaten egg, coating both sides.

  8. Fry patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  9. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  10. Prepare yogurt sauce by mixing greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Serve patties warm with yogurt sauce on the side.

Harira Soup Patties

4.4 (48)

Golden-fried patties made from traditional harira soup ingredients, transformed into a crispy appetizer with chickpeas, lentils, and aromatic spices, perfect for dipping in tangy yogurt sauce.

medium
45 min
24 servings

Ingredients

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main

  • 2 cups chickpeas, cooked and drained
  • 1 cups lentils, cooked and drained
  • 1 pieces onions, finely chopped

aromatics

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, fresh minced

binding

  • 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 pieces eggs, beaten

flavor

  • 2 tablespoons tomato-paste

spices

  • 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne (optional)

herbs

  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, fresh chopped
  • 3 tablespoons parsley, fresh chopped

cooking

  • 6 tablespoons olive-oil

seasoning

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

sauce

  • 1 cups greek-yogurt
  • 1/2 pieces lemon, juiced

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra crispy patties, refrigerate shaped patties for 30 minutes before frying.
The mixture should hold together easily; if too wet, add more flour one tablespoon at a time.
These patties can be made smaller for bite-sized appetizers or larger for a main course.
For a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped fresh chilies.
The yogurt sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
To keep patties warm for serving at parties, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
Leftover mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month before forming into patties.