Harira - North African Lamb & Chickpea Stew

Step 1: Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add the onions and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add the spices and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the stock, then return the meat to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Add the chickpeas and lentils. Add salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the lentils cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Adjust seasoning, stir in the cilantro and parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Note: Sometimes two beaten eggs are added at the end of cooking time, to create strands of egg through the soup. You can also add a bit of rice along with the lentils, though you may need to increase water/stock. Or, you can add a cup of soup pasta.