Chorba Frik
Dive into the comforting flavors of North African cuisine with Chorba Frik, a hearty Algerian soup that's perfect for any occasion. This rich and aromatic dish combines tender lamb, earthy chickpeas, and crushed green wheat (frik) for a texture that's both satisfying and wholesome. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper, and complemented by fresh vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and celery, every spoonful is a burst of flavor. The soup is slow-simmered to perfection, allowing its complex flavors to develop, and is finished with a garnish of fresh parsley, cilantro, and a squeeze of tangy lemon. Perfect as a nourishing starter or a stand-alone meal, Chorba Frik is a must-try for fans of traditional, spice-infused soups.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Lamb (bone-in, such as shoulder or neck)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large Tomato (grated)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 medium Carrot (diced)
- 1 medium Zucchini (diced)
- 1 Celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 100 grams Chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 100 grams Frik (crushed green wheat)
- 1.5 liters Water or stock
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 Fresh lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, carrot, zucchini, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the chickpeas and pour in the water or stock. Stir in the cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, and salt.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
After 1 hour, add the frik (crushed green wheat). Mix well and cook for another 30 minutes until the frik is tender and the soup has thickened.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Remove the soup from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and parsley.
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.0 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 413 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 22.3 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 711 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
