Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something bold, warming, and full of personality, this Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Experience North African-inspired flavors swirling together with creamy coconut milk, earthy smoked paprika, and a generous kick of harissa, all cozied up with fluffy rice and hearty chickpeas. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your dinner guests, this crave-worthy soup is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Let’s dive into a bowlful of vibrant color and flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is its beautiful simplicity—the ingredients are everyday staples, but each one plays a starring role. Together, they create deep layers of taste, irresistible creaminess, and a gorgeous pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps soften the aromatics for the base of the broth.
- Onion (small, finely chopped): Gives the broth a sweet, mellow depth as it cooks down.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with warmth and a mellow, garlicky background.
- Tomato paste: Builds umami and brings a lovely hint of sweetness and color.
- Harissa paste (1–2 tablespoons): Choose your heat level—this is the spicy soul of the dish!
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): Acts as the flavorful foundation for the creamy harissa broth.
- Coconut milk (1 cup): Transforms the broth into a luscious, velvety base without dairy.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a smoky warmth and rich crimson hue to the soup.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy complexity that pairs perfectly with the harissa.
- Cooked white or brown rice (1 cup): Makes this a hearty, comforting meal in every spoonful.
- Chickpeas (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Packs protein and a creamy bite that soaks up the broth’s flavors.
- Chopped spinach or kale (2 cups): Delivers freshness and color, plus a boost of nutrients.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the vibrant flavors.
- Black pepper: Brings an extra layer of warmth to every bite.
- Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Brightens and lifts the entire bowl, cutting through the richness.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish: Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent and soft. The aroma will already start tempting everyone in your kitchen! Next, add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and your chosen amount of harissa paste. Stir for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything smells wonderfully fragrant—this step lays the flavor foundation for your Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any little bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the coconut milk, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so all those spices have a chance to mingle, turning a simple broth into something silky, aromatic, and irresistibly inviting.
Step 3: Add Rice, Chickpeas, and Greens
Once your broth is beautifully fragrant, stir in the cooked rice and the drained chickpeas. Pile in the chopped spinach or kale, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Simmer everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and the soup is piping hot. If you love your Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice on the thicker side, let it bubble a minute longer so the rice soaks up a little more liquid.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon Juice
Just before it’s time to serve, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. This last-minute addition adds a fresh, zesty lift that balances the richness of the coconut milk and the spice of the harissa. Give your broth a quick stir to bring it all together—your kitchen will smell as if you’ve been slow-simmering soup for hours!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice into generous bowls and sprinkle each portion with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The green garnish is more than just decoration; it infuses each spoonful with freshness and vibrancy, making every bite a true delight.
How to Serve Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s a way to add bursts of flavor and color that wake up your senses. I love topping my Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice with lots of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, a swirl of coconut cream, or even a few thin slices of fresh chili for a pop of heat and drama. Try toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas if you crave a little crunch!
Side Dishes
This robust soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a side is always a good idea! Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of broth, or try serving it alongside a simple cucumber-yogurt salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables can add extra color and substance to your meal too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice in rustic mugs for a cozy starter or as a main course in deep, wide bowls sprinkled with edible flowers. Layer cooked rice in the bottom of the bowls first for a dramatic effect, or drizzle with infused oils (like chili or basil oil) for restaurant-level flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches and easy weeknight dinners. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so leftovers are especially delicious!
Freezing
This soup is incredibly freezer-friendly. Portion the cooled broth into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. For the best texture, freeze without the greens (add freshly when reheating), but even with everything mixed in, it reheats beautifully after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, splash in a little extra broth or water to reach your ideal consistency. You can also microwave single servings in a microwave-safe bowl in 60-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Is there a way to make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice less spicy?
Absolutely! The heat level comes from the harissa paste, so feel free to use just one tablespoon (or even a bit less). You can always add extra at the end if you find you want more of a kick. A swirl of extra coconut milk also helps mellow things out without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa, farro, or even orzo make wonderful substitutes in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed based on your chosen grain, and enjoy a new texture twist on the classic Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice.
What’s the best harissa paste to use?
Look for harissa pastes in jars or tubes at well-stocked grocery stores or specialty markets. Some are spicier than others, so always check the heat level. If you prefer a milder broth, opt for a mild harissa or start with less—and taste as you go!
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Certainly! For a heartier option, top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a jammy egg. Plant-based protein-lovers can try tofu or add more chickpeas, turning Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice into a super-satisfying meal.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely—this recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge and freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Store in individual containers for easy lunches and dinners all week long. If you want to keep the greens vibrant, add fresh spinach or kale when reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something soul-satisfying with a punch of flavor, Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is your ticket to cozy, colorful meals anytime. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and brings pure joy in every bowl—so grab a spoon and let this recipe brighten up your dinner routine!
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Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is a flavorful and satisfying soup that combines the heat of harissa paste with the creaminess of coconut milk. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, this North African-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the broth:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1–2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
For the soup:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- juice of ½ lemon
- fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion until softened.
- Add flavorings: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and harissa paste; cook until fragrant.
- Make the broth: Add broth, coconut milk, smoked paprika, and cumin; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in rice, chickpeas, and spinach; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice, ladle into bowls, and garnish with herbs.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use light coconut milk for fewer calories.
- Adjust harissa amount based on heat tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: North African-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
