
Lamb Harira is a hearty, flavour-packed soup-stew that’s especially nourishing during the colder months. With warming herbs and spices, it’s comfort in a bowl, and the best part is how simple it is to prepare. Just 15 minutes of hands-on time in one casserole dish, then let the oven do the work while it slowly braises into something rich and super satisfying. If you prefer, this recipe is also easily adapted for the slow cooker, making it as fuss-free as it is delicious.
Health benefits
This is one nutritionally balanced meal – lots of plant based fibre and available, gut healing protein thanks to the lamb (on the bone) and broth. The addition of the spices further supports the digestive and immune systems, with a boost of liver supporting greens (kale and parsley or coriander) to finish it off.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include lamb shanks, a blend of lentils, kale, and an aromatic mix of cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger. Tomato passata and chicken stock or bone broth create a rich base for the dish.
How to make this easy lamb harira
Start by pre-heating your oven and combining all the ingredients (except the kale and lemon) in a large ovenproof dish. Add the lamb shanks and cook in a low oven for several hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone. Stir in the kale at the end, and let it wilt before serving with a squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this hearty stew in a big bowl with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. You may need to add more liquid when reheating, as the lentils will continue to absorb moisture.
Vary this lamb harira to suit your dietary needs
For a vegetarian/vegan version, replace the lamb with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of bone broth. To make this onion and garlic-free, substitute with fennel and add extra cumin and chilli powder for flavour. Make it spicy by serving with chilli flakes for an extra kick.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements. There are also instructions to make it vegetarian too!
For more delicious, easy to make, healthy slow cooker recipes, click HERE.
Ingredients
- 1 onion/s (large) diced
- 4 clove/s garlic -chopped
- 2 carrot/s (large) diced
- 2 stick/s celery -diced
- 1 sweet potato/s -peeled and diced
- 680 g tomato passata (puree)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 200 g puy (French) lentils (1 cup)
- 100 g split red lentils (½ cup)
- 1 tsp sea salt - or to taste
- ground black pepper
- 1 ltr chicken broth or stock
- 2 lamb shanks
- 1 bunch/s kale -leaves torn off the stems (stems diced)
- ½ bunch/s fresh coriander leaves -or flat leaf parsley leaves, to serve
- 1 lemon/s -cut into quarters, to serve
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 250℃/480℉ (fan-forced).
- In a large oven proof casserole dish with lid, add all of the ingredients except the shanks and kale (add the stems though).
- Mix well to combine. Add the shanks and submerge them in the liquid.
- Cover the dish (with a lid or foil) and put in the oven, turning the temperature down to 150℃/300℉ immediately.
- Cook for 3-4 hours or until the lamb falls off the bone.
- Remove the dish from the oven, stir in the kale, replace the lid and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes so the kale wilts.
Slow Cooker
- This can certainly cooked in a slow cooker. However, as the speed and temperature varies between the many brands of slow cookers, base the amount of liquid you add and the cook time on a similar style of recipe in the guide book for your specific slow cooker. The general rule of thumb is to halve the liquid and double the cook time, but understanding your own slow cooker is the best guide.
Serve
- With a wedge of lemon and garnished with coriander or parsley.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a pot over a low heat until just hot.
Store
- If you are storing or freezing it, strip the meat from the bones of the shanks and discard the bones (or freeze them to re-use to make a bone broth - there will still be some goodness remaining).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
- You may need to add more liquid (water or stock) when reheating.
Grab Bag Formula Method
- If you've done the **Grab Bag Formula Short Course, this is the method to convert this recipe...
- Place all your prepared ingredients (except the kale, coriander and lemon) into the Grab Bag.
- Carefully seal your Grab Bag. I close most of the seal then press out as much air as I can then complete the seal. Place the Grab Bag in the freezer.
- To cook, remove the Grab Bag from the freezer, place on a baking tray and thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Tip the contents of the Grab Bag into a large oven proof dish (with a tight fitting lid) or Dutch oven. It may still be a bit frozen; that’s okay.
- Place the lid on the pot, set your oven to 150°C/300°F (fan-forced) and cook for 4-5 hours.
- If there is a lot of liquid, remove the lid and cook for a further 20-30 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Remove the dish from the oven, stir in the kale, replace the lid and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes so the kale wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning and spiciness.
- ** The Grab Bag Formula Short Course is available to purchase for just AU$46 HERE.ORIf you are a full-access Well Nourished Family member, the course is included in your membership and you can access in the members portal - HERE.



Riddhima Nair says
Thanks for sharing the recipe of lamb harira.
Georgia Harding says
Very welcome, I hope you enjoy it! G
Peta says
Hi Georgia, this looks delicious and very easy. Just wondering what the timing is likely to be with this dish. At the top it says 6 hrs, but then it looks as though the shanks are only cooked for 3-4 hours. Which one is it please?
Georgia Harding says
Sorry – typo now fixed Peta. Yes it’s delicious and super simple, hope you love it G x
Peta says
Wow, that was fast! Thanks Georgia!
Mary says
It still seems to say 6 hours total time needed. Can I clarify this is an error and it’s only 3 hours cooking time?
Georgia Harding says
My timing software was playing up sorry – it’s fixed now Mary Gx
Paula says
This is so delicious and so easy to make. Yet another winner. Loving your recipes!!
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Paula for your feedback, so glad you enjoyed it G x
Sally says
Made this today – everyone loved it, even the fussy 3yr old. Thanks
Georgia Harding says
Brilliant – so pleased Sally. Thanks for your comment and the 5 stars G x
Coralie McKeon says
Can something other than kale be used?
Georgia Harding says
Yes definitely Coralie – any leafy green is suitable. Baby spinach, silverbeet, whatever you enjoy G x
Mary says
How many does this receive serve please?
Georgia Harding says
4-6 people Mary G x
elle says
Hello,
would you please let me know if I need to halve the liquid if I put this in my slow cooker? Also would it be 8hrs on low?
thanks
elle
Renae Andrew says
I would love to know for slow cooker too.
Georgia Harding says
Just replied to Elle re slow cooking Renae if you want to take a look G x
Georgia Harding says
Hi Elle, hard to say as I have owned two slow cookers in my life time and they cook completely differently (so frustrating getting used to a new machine). I would work off another soupy recipe (in the instruction books they often have recipes) as to how much liquid (half sound like a good guess). The time 6-8hrs will do it (if it is a very slow cooker like my old machine). My new cooker the lowest setting is still very fast cooking – drives me crazy! Even if a lot of the liquid reduces, it’s still delicious and you can always add more liquid as it cooks worse case. Enjoy G x
Lou says
This was sooo yum! Thanks Georgia, this will be a regular in our household!
Georgia Harding says
So pleased you enjoyed it Lou, appreciate your feedback and the 5 stars G x
Emily Macleod says
So good! Couldn’t find shanks so used cubes of lamb roast instead and served with yoghurt and snow peas. Mr 6 ate it up, Mr 3 ate multiple bites (which is winning for him) and Ms 1 gobbled hers up too! It made a huge batch so even have enough left over for more meals. Even better ?
Georgia Harding says
Yay – thrilled the family loved it. Yes it makes great leftovers – meal that keeps on giving ha ha. Thanks for your comment and rating the recipe too Emily G x
Allyse says
Hi Georgia,
I wanted to let you know, we made this as a vegetarian version last night and it was delicious. Full of depth of flavour.
Something we’ll cook over and over I’m sure.
It’s great to find a recipe like this.
Thank you!
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Allyse, great to get feedback on a different version. So pleased you loved it G x
Leanne Geaghan says
Hi Georgia, another wonderful recipe. Thank you so much. Felt every mouthful doing me good
Georgia Harding says
You’re so welcome Leanne – glad you enjoyed it G x
Tracey Gunther says
This is so delicious and easy to make My family loved it.
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Trace, glad they enjoyed it G x
Rachelle Lamb says
Thanks for sharing, our whole family loved this dish.
Georgia Harding says
You’re welcome Rachelle – than you for your feedback and the 5 stars too Gx
danielle Midgley says
Wanting to try this tomorrow for dinner, sounds lovely! I’ll be working so will have to be put in the slow cooker, 6/8 hrs on low?? Half liquid? Has anyone cooked this in the slow cooker? Any recommendations? Thank you
Georgia Harding says
Hi Danielle. Sorry for the slow response, I’m on holiday and had a few days of travel and no internet access. I know I’m too late but would suggest 6 hours and yes less liquid. I can’t be exact as I’ve owned two slow cookers in my life and they have both cooked very differently. Perhaps base the amount of liquid and the cook time on another soup or braise recipe you’ve cooked in it before. Anyhow I really hope you loved it G x
Silvana says
Absolutely loved this dish, as did my family. I’ve been asked to make it again as it’s become a family favourite. I wasn’t sure about putting the tomato pasatta in, but it all worked so well together, and it’s so easy to make! Thanks Georgia. A meal that is healthy, tasty and easy, makes my life so much easier. 🙂
Georgia Harding says
So glad you all enjoyed it Silvana. Thanks for your feedback and the 5 stars 🙂
Heidi says
Delicious recipe, like so many others here! Soeasy to throw it all in the pot and let the oven do the work. We had plenty of leftovers for the freezer too. Yum!
Danielle Allardyce says
I made this one in my slow cooker, doubled the sweet potato and added plenty of chilli. Whilst I have been eating left overs as the recipe is, when I served to my bf I added a tiny bit of sour cream and pickled jalapeños on top with the fresh coriander. He loved it!!
Georgia Harding says
So glad you enjoyed it Danielle and adore your variations. My 11yo adds pickled jalapeños to everything, he’d love this version so much. Thanks for the comment, Georgia x
Car says
Sounds delicious, can this be cooked in a pressure cooker?
Georgia Harding says
I’m sure it could, I have-not tried it myself, so let me know how it goes, Georgia x
Amanda says
Thanks for another fabulous recipe Georgia. The lamb got the meat-loving teens across the line and they didn’t even notice all the lentils! I added a third lamb shank and served it on some quinoa I had, and there was enough for our family of five with lunch for three boys the next day.
Georgia Harding says
Perfect Amanda, so glad they enjoyed it. Cheers for the 5? rating too G x
Tess says
Hi Georgia,
I can’t wait to try this recipe, looks like a warm hug!
If I don’t have puy lentils can I swap out for all red lentils?
Tess
Georgia Harding says
Hi Tess,
I haven’t tried it but it should be just fine. It will have less texture, but still taste lovely. Enjoy, G x
Tess says
Thanks Georgia!
Jane Reeves says
A big hit with the family! I used a lamb shoulder instead of shanks because that’s what I had in the freezer. I also fried and blended the onions, garlic and celery first to hide them from my 11yo son! He was none the wiser and ate a large bowlful! Love the sound of jalapenos, coriander and sour cream in the comments above. The perfect way of jazzing up the leftovers.
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Jane, so glad they loved it and thanks for the 5?s G x
Claire says
Love the flavours in this. I think it was almost better after freezing (or maybe that’s just because I didn’t have to cook?)
Georgia Harding says
Ha – I think most slow cooks and curries improve with time (though agree it could be the night off too) G x
Stephanie says
This looks delicious! Am trying it tonight.. could I use beef bone broth instead of chicken?
Georgia Harding says
Yes absoutely, enjoy G x
Kate Bell says
This soup looks perfect for the cold weather we are having!
If I left the lentils out would you suggest anything as a substitute?
Thanks!
Georgia Harding says
You could replace with brown rice perhaps or well rinsed quinoa? G x
Sonya Berkelaar says
I made this last night and absolutely loved it! The flavours are beautiful…I added a bit of chilli as well. I had leftovers which my husband and I had for lunch…tastes even better the next day ? Will definitely be making again.
Georgia Harding says
So pleased you enjoyed it Sonya, I love a hint of chilli too I must say. We have chilli oil so everyone can add to taste. Cheers for the 5?s too G x
Susie says
This was a hit with the family, served with coriander and natural yoghurt, as liquid was really non existent. I guess the lentils would soak up the liquid? Looking forward to having the leftovers, very tasty, thank you. Have got apple crumble cake in oven, looking forward to that?
Georgia Harding says
So glad you enjoyed it Susie, enjoy dessert too G x
Susie says
Sorry forgot to do rating?♀️
Susan P says
Yum. Seriously yum. And seriously simple. I will be making batches of this to freeze as Happy Meals. You know, on those days where, all of a sudden it 7pm and you haven’t organised dinner. Then, you open the freezer and…voila, perfection!
Georgia, thanks for offering onion substitutes. I’m trialing a low-onion diet and am so happy that dishes can be full-flavoured without onion. In this particular case, as suggested, I replaced the onion with fennel, and we didn’t miss the onion at all. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!
Georgia Harding says
So glad you enjoyed it and cheers for the 5 stars too Susan G x
Jaime says
I’ve had three of your recipes in one week and while all have been delicious, this was incredible! And so easy! Thank you ?
Georgia Harding says
So thrilled you enjoyed it Jamie and cheers for the 5 stars too G x
Kerrie Ryan says
Really delicious served with corn chips, avo and sour cream
Georgia Harding says
Oh yum, so glad you enjoyed it Kerrie G x
Anne says
Made this several times. Family really loves it. It’s so healthy too! Thanks for a great recipe.
Georgia Harding says
You’re so welcome, thrilled you love it G x
Lisa Hodge says
So easy and delicious. I threw in some lamb bits and bobs from the freezer (thawed) worked perfectly. Thank you
Well Nourished Team says
Sounds so good Lisa!
Anna Anderson says
Delicious. Even the fussiest in the family enjoyed it. I cooked it slowly for about 5 hours in oven so wasn’t really soup. The coriander and a squeeze of lemon really lifted and balanced out the ‘thickness’ of the meal.
Well Nourished Team says
Sounds amazing Anna, so glad the whole family loved it!
Danielle Lehtsalu says
Hi Georgia – if you were to use lamb chops would you make any changes? Brown them first? I have some lamb chops (no bone) to use & hoping to adapt.
Well Nourished Team says
Hi Danielle, you could brown them (but I would also just put them in without browning also).
ROBYN CLARKE says
Love Lamb Harira Georgia!! So easy to make..Freezes really well. I love to open my freezer on a lazy night and see Lamb Harira awaiting!!! Winner with all the family.
Well Nourished Team says
So good to hear you loved this recipe Robyn! 🙂
Elani McEldowney says
Hi Georgia,
Is the lentil weight based off dry lentils or soaked lentils?
I’m super keen to give this recipe a go!
Thanks 😊
Well Nourished Team says
Hi Elani, the weight is based off dry lentils.
Louise Garrett says
Hi Georgia, do you think it would work to add a can of brown lentils (rinsed) to bulk it out further and for added gut health?