Moroccan Harira Soup

Ingredients

2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil

1 cup (125 mL) yellow onion, small dice

1 cup (125 mL) celery, small dice

1 cup (125 mL) carrots, small dice

1 lb (500 g) beef stewing meat, diced (optional – omit for vegetarian)

1 cup (125 mL) whole red lentils, dry

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 qt (1 L) low-sodium beef broth (or sub veg broth)

1 qt (1 L) water

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

½ tsp (2 mL) ground ginger

1 tsp (5 mL) ground turmeric

1 tsp (5 mL) cumin

½ tsp (2 mL) ground coriander

½ tsp (2 mL) paprika

¼ tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper

½ tsp (2 mL) salt

¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper

¼ cup (60 mL) fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup (60 mL) fresh cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp (15 mL) tomato paste

Optional garnish:

fresh cilantro, chopped

lemon, thinly sliced

sesame seeds