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Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)

Algerian · Dinner · Easy

Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)

Total
1 hr 55 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
6
Calories
340
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Lamb, chickpeas and cracked freekeh simmer in a tomato broth with mint, cilantro and warm spices, making a thick, spoonable soup.

Cracked green wheat gives Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik) its chewy texture and lightly smoky depth. The lamb gets a head start before the grain and vegetables join it, so everything finishes tender together.

Choose cracked freekeh rather than whole grains for the timing below. Keep the simmer gentle and stir near the bottom as the grain swells; a thick soup can catch before it looks dry on top.

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Method

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shoulder for , turning. Add onion and celery stalk and cook for until softened.

  2. Stir in paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, salt and tomato paste; cook for . Add grated tomatoes and water, bring to a simmer and cover. Simmer over low heat for .

  3. Add cracked freekeh, chickpeas, carrot and potato. Simmer partly covered for , stirring occasionally, until the grain is nearly tender.

  4. Add zucchini and half the cilantro and mint. Simmer for until the vegetables are soft, freekeh is tender and lamb yields easily to a fork and is at least 145°F.

  5. Remove from heat and rest for . Ladle into bowls and finish with the remaining cilantro and mint.

Forkue tips

  • If using whole freekeh, cook it separately according to its package and add it when tender.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. The freekeh absorbs broth as it stands; loosen with water while reheating and add fresh herbs at serving.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

340Calories
21gProtein
39gCarbs
12gFat

Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik): FAQ

Can I leave out the lamb?

Yes. Add another can of chickpeas and shorten the initial simmer; the grain and vegetables still need to cook until tender.

Is freekeh gluten-free?

No. Freekeh is wheat. Cooked brown rice can replace it, but the soup will have a different flavor and texture.

How do I store and reheat Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)?

Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. The freekeh absorbs broth as it stands; loosen with water while reheating and add fresh herbs at serving.

How long does Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik) take?

About 1 hr 55 min in total: 20 min prep and 1 hr 35 min cooking.

What do I need to make Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)?

The key ingredients are lamb shoulder, onion, celery stalk, paprika, cinnamon and tomato paste, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)?

If using whole freekeh, cook it separately according to its package and add it when tender.

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More lamb shoulderMore celeryMore tomatoesMore cracked freekeh