There’s nothing quite as soul-satisfying as a bowl of Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, Middle Eastern-inspired twist: velvety coconut broth brimming with aromatic spices, tender rice, and colorful veggies, all kissed by the smoky heat of harissa. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with something vibrant and nourishing, this recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and a hint of adventure in every spoonful.

Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a dish that tastes anything but ordinary. Each element brings a unique flavor or texture, making every bite layered and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful tips for each ingredient:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a savory base.
Onion (small, finely chopped): Provides natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the broth with a gentle, aromatic punch.
Harissa paste: The heart of the dish; adjust the amount for your preferred spice level.
Ground cumin: Lends an earthy warmth that pairs perfectly with harissa.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that elevates every spoonful.
Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup; opt for low-sodium if you like to control seasoning.
Full-fat coconut milk: Brings luscious creaminess and balances the heat beautifully.
Long-grain white rice (rinsed): Ensures fluffiness and soaks up all the spicy, creamy flavors.
Carrot (medium, diced): Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Red bell pepper (small, diced): Offers crunch and vibrant hue.
Zucchini (small, diced): Contributes a tender, mild freshness.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens up the broth with a fresh, tangy finish.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): Adds color and a burst of herbal freshness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the kitchen fills with a wonderful, savory aroma. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation for your Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

Stir in the harissa paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for just one minute, stirring constantly. This quick “bloom” releases the oils and deepens the flavors of the spices and harissa, giving your broth maximum depth and a gentle, smoky heat.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Veggies

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the rinsed rice, diced carrot, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir to combine, then leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks, and watch as the rice starts to plump up and the vegetables become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Season

Once the rice is cooked through, stir in the full-fat coconut milk. Season with salt, black pepper, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the broth takes on that signature creamy, dreamy texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice into bowls while it’s piping hot. Finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The result is a stunning bowl bursting with color and flavor, ready to be enjoyed immediately.

How to Serve Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with fresh toppings! A sprinkle of parsley is classic, but you can also add a dollop of coconut yogurt, a drizzle of extra harissa for more heat, or even toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. Each garnish brings a little something extra to your bowl of Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice.

Side Dishes

Pairing this creamy, spicy soup with a side can really round out the meal. Try warm, crusty bread for dunking, a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, or even some roasted chickpeas for added protein. These sides complement the bold flavors of Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice and make the meal feel even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, try serving the broth in individual soup crocks or wide, shallow bowls to show off the colorful veggies. For a dinner party, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice with their favorite garnishes. You can even serve it in mugs for a cozy, casual vibe that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll find that the flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to have this cozy dish on hand for busy days. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that the rice will soften further after thawing, but the flavor only gets better!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome alternative and adds a slightly nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that it will require an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time, and you may need to add a bit more broth to ensure everything stays nice and creamy.

How spicy is Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice?

The heat level is totally up to you! Harissa paste varies in intensity, so start with the amount suggested in the recipe and add more if you love a good kick. If you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive guests, use a mild harissa or reduce the amount to taste.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is both vegan and gluten-free as written. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a plant-based, allergy-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.

What protein can I add for a heartier meal?

Chickpeas make a fantastic protein boost and complement the flavors beautifully. For non-vegan variations, shredded chicken would work as well. Simply stir in your protein of choice toward the end of cooking so it warms through without overcooking.

Can I make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This dish is party-friendly and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had some time to meld. Make it a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat just before serving. Set out a toppings bar so guests can customize their bowls for a fun, interactive meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, colorful, and a little bit adventurous, Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s simple enough for weeknights, yet special enough for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and let the warm, spicy flavors brighten up your table!

Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A flavorful and creamy vegan broth with a spicy harissa kick, combined with tender rice and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting main course that is both gluten-free and packed with plant-based goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 tablespoon harissa paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Liquids

4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup full-fat coconut milk

Main Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 medium carrot, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small zucchini, diced

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add spices: Stir in the harissa paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
Simmer broth and rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the rinsed long-grain rice along with the diced carrot, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Continue cooking uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Add creaminess and seasoning: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk, then carefully season with salt, black pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to become creamy and blend all flavors.
Serve: Ladle the creamy harissa broth with rice into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less harissa paste to suit your taste.
For an extra protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken during the simmering stage.
If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired