Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup
Published on May 05, 2021
by Kristina Stosek2 reviews
This creamy, mildly spiced Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and full of rich, vibrant flavors. It’s one of my top five favorite soups—there’s something about Moroccan cuisine that’s simply irresistible: the bold spices, the vibrant colors, and the depth of flavor.
Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup: A Hearty, Gluten-Free Comfort Dish
This comforting soup combines tender ground beef, sweet carrots, and hearty lentils, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Naturally gluten-free, it’s perfect on its own or as a warming, filling dish for any time of year. Add gluten-free naan or a slice of gluten-free bread of your choice for big appetites.
Our Best Gluten-Free Moroccan Recipes
If you have been following my blog, you know how much I love Moroccan food. Over the past few years, my readers choose these three recipes as their favourites:
Moroccan Chicken Rice Dinner
Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad
Moroccan-Style Baked Lamb Casserole
Spices in This Soup
For this Moroccan-inspired beef and lentil soup, I selected the following key spices to create a balanced and authentic flavor:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
These spices perfectly complement the rich, savory flavor of the beef while blending beautifully with the creamy coconut milk, giving the soup an authentic Moroccan taste.
Adding Extra Heat: Harissa
To kick up the heat and add an extra layer of flavor, I included gluten-free harissa, a North African spicy red sauce made from:
- Red chilies
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- A variety of spices
This fiery sauce brings the perfect punch, enhancing the depth and deliciousness of the Moroccan beef and lentil soup.
Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup Recipe Details
This Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup is sure to win you over for two reasons:
- The Flavors and Texture: The creamy broth, perfectly balanced spices, and satisfying textures make each spoonful a delight.
- The Simplicity: This recipe couldn’t be easier—just add all the ingredients to one pot, simmer for about 25 minutes, and you’re done. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy a rich, comforting dish.
The soup itself is a mildly spiced, creamy blend of beef, lentils, and vegetables. I kept it simple with basic ingredients like onions, carrots, and lentils.
While you can certainly add other veggies to customize it, I wanted to keep the focus on the beef and lentils. However, if you’re looking to get creative, you could easily add bell peppers, celery, or kale for extra flavor and texture.
A Simple, Hearty Moroccan Soup
This Moroccan soup features a mildly spiced, creamy base with tender beef and vegetables. I kept it simple by using basic ingredients like onions, carrots, and lentils, which perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.
Of course, you can always get creative and add other vegetables—yellow or red bell peppers, celery, and kale would all be great additions. However, I wanted this soup to focus on the beef and lentils, so I chose to keep it simple and flavorful.
Adding Creaminess and Flavor to the Soup
To make this Moroccan soup extra creamy, I added coconut milk. I find that whenever I use coconut milk in my recipes, it creates a richer, more satisfying texture that takes the soup to the next level.
Along with the coconut milk, I added a touch of fresh lemon juice and a splash of maple syrup. The combination of these ingredients really elevated the flavors, resulting in a soup that was not only creamy but also exceptionally tasty.
Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup for Busy Nights
When you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, especially on busy weeknights, one-pot meals are the way to go. This Moroccan Beef and Lentil Soup is the perfect solution—it’s simple to make, delicious, and can be whipped up any day of the week with minimal effort.
Topping Ideas to Keep Your One-Pot Soup Authentic
Whenever I make a one-pot soup meal, I love to load it up with toppings. Not only do they enhance the flavor, but they also add different textures, making the soup feel even more hearty, delicious, and filling.
Here are some of my favorite toppings:
- Yogurt or sour cream for creaminess
- Chili oil for a spicy kick
- Cumin for extra warmth and flavor
- Fresh cilantro and parsley for a burst of freshness
- Lemon slices for a zesty tang
- Sesame seeds for a little crunch
If you’re looking for more soup inspiration, be sure to check out our full list of gluten-free soup recipes for even more delicious options.
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Many thanks!
Kristina xx
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1.
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 2 -3 minutes until they start to soften. Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Cook until no longer pink breaking up the meat as needed
- 2.
Stir in garlic, carrots, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cloves. Cook until fragrant. About one minute
- 3.
Add lentils, harissa and water. Generously season with salt. Cover and simmer for 20 - 25 minutes until the lentils are tender
- 4.
Stir in sweetener, lemon juice and coconut milk, bring to a simmer and remove from the heat
- 5.
To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with desired toppings
- 6.
Note: This soup freezes well
Leave a Comment
Kristina
thank you for sharing Karen, a great idea to change it up.
Karen
I decided to try this soup, but I was a little skeptical about the coconut milk because it is not a typical Morrocan ingredient. I made it and tried it before and after adding coconut milk. I far preferred it without the coconut milk. Also I added 7 cups of water instead of 8 to make the soup a little thicker.
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