Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup

Name: Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large ripe tomato, grated or crushed; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp ras el hanout; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1.5 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 10 cups water; 2/3 cup cracked freekeh (cracked green wheat), rinsed; 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained, rinsed; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 lemon, cut into wedges

A hearty Algerian soup of tender lamb shoulder and smoky freekeh (cracked green wheat) simmered with warm spices, tomato, and plenty of fresh herbs. Freekeh gives the broth a distinctive nutty depth.

100 minMediumServes 6340 cal/serving

North AfricanSoupStovetopStandardHigh ProteinHigh FiberPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large ripe tomato, grated or crushed
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp ras el hanout
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
10 cups water
2/3 cup cracked freekeh (cracked green wheat), rinsed
1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained, rinsed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

1

Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cut into 1-inch cubes boneless lamb shoulder in batches and brown well on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
2

Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 medium finely diced yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ras el hanout, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; stir and cook 1 minute.
3

Stir in 2 large grated or crushed ripe tomato and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook 3 minutes. Return lamb to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
4

Pour in 10 cups water and add 1.5 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook 40 minutes.
5

Stir in 2/3 cup rinsed cracked freekeh (cracked green wheat) and 1 can drained, rinsed chickpeas (15 oz). Continue simmering uncovered 20 minutes until the freekeh is tender and the lamb is fully cooked through and very tender. Check lamb has reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
6

Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, scatter 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves over each, and serve with 2 cut into wedges lemon for squeezing.

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Questions

How long does Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup take?

As written, 100 minutes: 25 of prep and 75 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (40 minutes): "Partially cover and cook 40 minutes."

What should Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until the freekeh is tender and the lamb is fully cooked through and very tender. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Can I skip the searing in Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup?

Step 1 reads: "Add 1.5 lbs cut into 1-inch cubes boneless lamb shoulder in batches and brown well on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 1 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

What can I use instead of ras el hanout in Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup?

The entry for Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup calls for 2 tsp ras el hanout. In its place: Combine equal parts ground cumin, coriander, ginger and cinnamon with a little paprika and black pepper.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup?

Yes. One 15-ounce can is about one and a half cups of cooked beans, which comes from a generous half cup dried. Soak them overnight and simmer until tender before you start the recipe. As written, the entry for Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup uses 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained, rinsed.

Can I make Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup is 2/3 cup cracked freekeh (cracked green wheat), rinsed. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup keep?

Refrigerate Chorba Frik Lamb and Freekeh Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

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