Description
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining the heat and depth of harissa paste with creamy broth, tender jasmine or basmati rice, and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s a simple yet hearty dish perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, garnished with fresh herbs and brightened with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing your aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon of harissa paste and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2 more minutes while stirring frequently to release the spices’ flavors.
- Pour in Broth: Add 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Once simmering, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the mixture to return to a gentle simmer.
- Add Rice: Stir in the rinsed cup of jasmine or basmati rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Let the rice cook in the broth for 15-20 minutes, until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Chickpeas: Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Season: Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the creamy harissa broth and rice into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust harissa paste quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- Using jasmine rice will give a more fragrant and softer texture, while basmati rice adds a nuttier aroma with separate grains.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For added protein, consider topping with a fried egg or crumbled feta cheese.
