If you’re craving something that wraps you up in cozy, bold flavors while still feeling light and nourishing, this Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture a smooth, spicy broth infused with smoky harissa and warm spices, enriched with silky coconut milk, and perfectly paired with fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of that deliciousness. It’s vibrant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up anytime you need a bowl of pure goodness that feels both exotic and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the luscious texture and rich layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible. Simple yet powerful, these essentials come together to create a harmony of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and bringing out the depth of flavors from the aromatics.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and body to the broth as it softens.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up the dish.
- Tomato paste: Contributes a rich umami and subtle tartness overall.
- Harissa paste (adjust to taste): The star spice blend here, delivering smoky heat and warmth.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky note that complements the harissa beautifully.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base that carries all the deliciousness.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Brings creamy, velvety texture and mellow sweetness.
- Cooked basmati or jasmine rice: Fluffy and aromatic, perfect for soaking up the spicy broth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Juice of half a lemon: A bright splash of acidity to lift the whole dish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish for contrast and color.
How to Make Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it soften slowly, releasing natural sweetness, which creates a beautiful base for the broth.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste, harissa paste, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring constantly to help the spices bloom and deepen their flavors.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, as all those layers start marrying together into a vibrant, spicy base.
Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk and Simmer
Mix in the full-fat coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Let the broth simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing a creamy texture to develop and flavors to fully meld.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Final Touches
Add your cooked rice directly into the broth and stir to combine, letting it warm through for a few minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the richness and adjust seasoning to your liking.
How to Serve Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley brings one last pop of freshness and color that plays beautifully with the rich, spicy broth. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little good olive oil or dollop some creamy yogurt on top to balance the heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs excellently with simple sides like warm flatbread, crusty artisan bread for dipping, or a crisp green salad to add a refreshing crunch alongside the silky broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the broth in rustic bowls topped with vibrant herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side. You can also hollow out small round loaves to serve the broth in edible bowls, making mealtime a delightful experience to share with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth (without rice) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight and add freshly cooked rice before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the broth has thickened, add a little vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While basmati or jasmine rice works wonderfully for their fragrance and fluffiness, any long-grain rice you enjoy will do just fine. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the broth.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe is completely vegan and naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone following plant-based or allergy-conscious diets.
How spicy is the harissa paste in this dish?
Harissa paste has a moderate heat level with smoky undertones. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference — start with less and add more if you like things fiery!
Can I add protein to make this a heartier meal?
Definitely! Chickpeas, shredded chicken, or sautéed greens like spinach are fantastic additions that turn this into a more substantial main without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
What’s the best way to store leftovers with rice?
Rice can sometimes get a bit gummy when stored long, so to keep the best texture, it’s better to store rice separately if possible. But if stored together, enjoy leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and comforting heartiness that make it a go-to anytime you want a nourishing dish that’s easy to pull together but impressive in taste. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your quick weeknight favorites in no time!
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: Mediterranean, North African
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Harissa Broth with Rice is a bold and comforting vegan and gluten-free soup featuring a smooth, spicy base enriched with creamy coconut milk and fluffy rice. Harissa paste adds smoky heat, balanced by garlic, onions, and warm spices, creating a cozy, nourishing dish perfect for a one-bowl lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate Pastes and Spices: Add tomato paste, harissa paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to develop the flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in Coconut Milk: Add the full-fat coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and let the broth simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish with Lemon and Garnish: Add fresh lemon juice, adjust seasoning to taste, then serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or yogurt for extra creaminess.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade harissa paste based on your preference.
- Add chickpeas, shredded chicken, or sautéed greens to make the soup heartier.
- If you prefer a thinner broth, reduce the amount of rice or add additional vegetable broth.
