Harira

Name: Harira
Yield: makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 bunch of fresh parsley, large stems removed, chopped; 1 bunch of cilantro, large stems removed, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; Salt and black pepper; 1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, or 1 cup canned or precooked chickpeas, drained; 1/2 cup dried lentils, picked over; 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or about 2 cups drained canned; 1/4 cup vermicelli or other thin noodles broken into small pieces; 2 lemons

December 14, 2011

In the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and partake of a hearty meal after sunset. This often includes harira, a filling, flavorful, and easily varied soup. If your cilantro comes with roots, wash them well, tie them in a bundle, and add them to the stew for extra flavor; remove before serving.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.