Harira (Lamb And Lentil Soup)

Ingredients

• 175g (6oz) red lentils
• 100g (4oz) boneless Lamb, cut into 2.5 cm(1 inch) cubes
• 400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 large Onion, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon mixed Arabic spices
• 1 small green chilli, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons coriander, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon *saffron
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1.2litre (2 pints) boiling water

Directions

1. Wash and rinse Lentils, then soak in plenty of water for 30 minutes then strain.
2. Pour 1.2 litre (2pints) boiling water into a large saucepan and place on medium heat. Add the Lentils, onions and Lamb. Boil for 25 minutes, stirring from time to time.
3. Next add the chopped tomatoes, green chilli and spices to the pan, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the coriander, saffron, salt and pepper, mix, cover and simmer on very low heat for a further 5 minutes.