Moroccan Harissa Soup

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I love this spicy rich healthy carrot soup. It tastes exotic, yet is very simple to make.
I put a heart on my bowl of soup because according to 
an IVillage article " Spicy Foods Are Good for Your Heart". 
This recipe calls for a hot Moroccan spice blend called "harissa" 
 - (a pasty combination of hot chili, cumin, coriander, garlic and other spices typically used in North African cooking in countries like Morocco, Algeria,and Tunisia.)- 

I didn't use it; it's too hot for me!! 

 Instead I just used the cumin, coriander and garlic. ( spices contain substantial amounts of immune building and anti-inflammatory antioxidants.) The color and flavor is exceptional because freshly ground spices are brilliantly colored, exceptionally fragrant, and bursting with health giving benefits.


It might be good for the heart, and you might really like it, but it's too hot for me. I toned my recipe down somewhat and just used the cumin, coriander, and garlic. I left out the hot peppers and added some white wine( Chardonnay)  for flavor. However, if you like things hot and spicy , you have to try "harissa" . A prepared version can be purchased in a can in most spice shops but you can make it yourself! It is a staple in most Moroccan homes and is used in many of their recipes. 

Here is a link for an authentic  homemade" harissa" recipe posted by 
Katherine Martinelli   on fabulous her blog.

Authentic Homemade Harissa Recipe Katherine Martinelli   

Fresh Spice Market in Istanbul, Turkey  (photo from our trip to Turkey in 2010)

Moroccan recipes are not new to me, as I already make a wonderful recipe called  Moroccan Spiced Lemon Carrots which I and everyone I've ever served it to adore ( It's lemony, not hot)  So, you can imagine how excited I was when I found this recipe in Vegetarian Times  for Moroccan Spiced Carrot Soup . I knew it was something we would love to try.

However, I wasn't prepared for how much we would love this soup. My husband and I found it to be exceptional.

 I adapted the recipe somewhat. So, the recipe that follows is my version.

Soup Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil 

1 additional TBS olive oil

2 large onions, diced

2 large red bell peppers, diced 

3 Tablespoons tomato paste

8-10 fresh cloves garlic, chopped

3 medium-size carrots, diced

2  russet potatoes, peeled and diced 

6 cup vegetable broth

1 cup tomato juice or V8 juice

2 1/2 tsp. harissa ( a Moroccan spice made from hot peppers) 

Subtitle in place of harissa: 1 tsp cumin +1 tsp coriander

1/2 cup white wine optional  ( the alcohol will cook out completely but imparts a  nice flavor )

Directions

1. In a 6 quart soup pot add olive oil, onion, peppers, and garlic. Sautee on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes stirring frequently until vegetables are soft.    
2. Add carrots and potato and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until potatoes begin to become  brownish . Mix in tomato paste and continue to cook for another minute
3. Add broth, tomato juice, and wine, and harissa. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are soft.

This soup may be seved chunky or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

1. Serve chunky vegetable style ( my favorite) or
2. Transfer mixture in small batches to blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper

 

Sometimes I prefer a milder soup, so I will use the wine for flavoring, but I leave out the cumin and coriander. Obviously,  it tastes different, but is very delicious and soothing . I usually eat my soup chunky.

For an authentic homemade  recipe for harissa,  follow the link to a fabulous blog  by Katherine Martinelli      

Authentic Homemade Harissa Recipe Katherine Martinelli   

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