If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug, the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant dish combines the smoky, spicy notes of harissa with the soothing creaminess of coconut milk, all enriched by tender greens and comforting rice. Each spoonful dances with layers of bold North African-inspired flavors balanced by a gentle citrus lift. It’s a perfect dish to brighten chilly evenings or whenever you want something both nourishing and exciting. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. These ingredients may feel humble, but together they weave an intricate tapestry of flavor, texture, and color that makes every bite satisfying and unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and brings a fruity richness that enhances every ingredient.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth once softened in the oil.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with sharp aromatic warmth.
- Harissa paste (1 tablespoon): The star spice blend that spices the dish with smoky heat—adjust to taste for your ideal kick.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces earthy undertones to round out the spice.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the smokiness and adds a beautiful red hue.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon) and Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simply elevate all those complex flavors.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): Creates the flavorful, savory base for the soup’s creamy body.
- Cooked white or brown rice (1 cup): Brings tender heft and comfort, turning this broth into a filling meal.
- Canned coconut milk (1/2 cup, full fat): Offers the luscious creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness that softens the spices.
- Chopped spinach or kale (1 cup): Adds freshness, nutrients, and a lively green color contrast.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the whole dish with a zesty pop.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish: Adds an herbaceous finish and bursts of color.
How to Make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and sauté it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step releases the sweetness hidden inside the onion, creating an irresistible aroma and laying the foundation for the flavors to come.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, toss in the minced garlic along with the harissa paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen fill with the alluring fragrance of those spices blooming—the moment you smell this, you know the dish is heading somewhere delicious.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Bring to Simmer
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. The broth will carry all those beautifully toasted spices, turning them into a flavorful liquid gold. This simmer is crucial for marrying all those flavors into a well-rounded foundation for your soup.
Step 4: Stir in the Cooked Rice
Once the broth simmers, add your cooked white or brown rice. Stir to combine so that the rice absorbs the spiced broth. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up and enhance the overall flavor, making every grain a perfect little bite within the creamy soup.
Step 5: Finish with Coconut Milk and Greens
Now, stir in the creamy coconut milk and the chopped greens (spinach or kale). Let the soup simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the greens wilt and soften, and the broth will become rich, silky, and deeply comforting. This step is where the “creamy” in Creamy Harissa Broth really takes center stage.
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Final Seasoning
Finish your soup with a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The lemon juice is the secret touch that balances the heat from the harissa and the richness of the coconut milk, lifting the entire dish to vibrant perfection. Ladle your soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for an inviting burst of freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley complement the spiced broth incredibly well, adding an aromatic brightness that cuts through the heat. For an extra treat, consider a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy broth. You could also serve it alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, which adds a refreshing crispness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve this soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of coconut cream and a scatter of chili flakes on top for visual appeal. A side of lemon wedges lets guests customize the citrus kick. If you want to elevate it further, add some roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken on the side for added protein and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe keeps well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s already rich and creamy, just give it a gentle stir before reheating to bring everything back together.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. However, note that the texture of the greens might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the greens, then stir fresh greens into the reheated broth before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the coconut milk. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating for that perfect final balance.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe as written is vegan by using vegetable broth and coconut milk. If you want to add protein, chickpeas are a great vegan option.
How spicy is the harissa in this broth?
Harissa varies in heat depending on the brand or recipe, so start with less if you prefer mild spice. You can always add more to suit your taste.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach or kale?
Yes! Swiss chard, collard greens, or even beet greens work wonderfully. Just add them at the same step and cook until tender.
Is it okay to use brown rice?
Definitely. Brown rice adds a nuttier texture and is a great way to boost fiber content, making the soup even heartier.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop vegetables and cook the rice ahead. Keep ingredients separate and combine when ready to cook for the freshest flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe is a wonderful fusion of bold spice and comforting creaminess that’s ideal for any time you want something quick, tasty, and nourishing. It hits all the right notes—spicy, savory, creamy, and fresh—all in one pot. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it; it’s truly a recipe that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl!
Print
Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is a comforting North African-inspired vegan soup featuring a flavorful blend of harissa paste, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk. It’s a hearty, warming dish perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, with tender greens and zesty lemon juice brightening every spoonful.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Main Additions
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, harissa paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cooked Rice: Add the cooked white or brown rice to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine with the broth and spices. Allow the soup to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add Coconut Milk and Greens: Stir in the canned coconut milk followed by the chopped spinach or kale. Continue simmering for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the broth has a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat. Add the lemon juice and taste the broth, adjusting seasoning with additional salt or harissa paste if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy harissa broth and rice into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For added protein, consider stirring in chickpeas or shredded chicken.
- Harissa paste ranges in spiciness; start with a smaller amount if unsure, then adjust to taste.
