CHEFS' RECIPES
Brigitte Hafner: Green lentil soup with pumpkin and harissa

Brigitte Hafner: Green lentil soup with pumpkin and harissa

Serves 6

Cooking Time Prep time 15 mins, cook 1 hr 20 mins



80 ml   (1/3 cup) olive oil
30 gm   butter, coarsely chopped
1   large onion, finely chopped
2   small carrots, finely chopped
1   celery stalk, thinly sliced
1   garlic clove, finely chopped
500 gm   small green lentils
500 gm   Jap pumpkin, cut into small wedges
400 gm   canned chopped Italian tomatoes
1   preserved lemon, rinsed, flesh discarded, rind thinly sliced
25 gm   harissa, or to taste (see note)
To serve:   thick plain yoghurt and coarsely torn coriander


1 Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until foaming, add onion and stir occasionally until soft and golden (8-10 minutes). Add carrot, celery and garlic, stir occasionally until soft and golden (8-10 minutes). Add lentils and 2 litres water, cook for 20 minutes, then add pumpkin and tomato, season to taste and cook until lentils and pumpkin are very tender (20-30 minutes). Add preserved lemon and harissa to taste, cook for another 10 minutes. Serve immediately with yoghurt and coriander.

Note Harissa is a North African spice paste available from select delicatessens and specialty food shops. Spiciness will vary among brands, so add a little at a time according to your taste.

This recipe is from the August 2009 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.

RECIPE Brigitte Hafner PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Dearnley STYLING Kirsten Bookallil and Emma Knowles


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