Chorba Frik

Name: Chorba Frik
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Algerian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, diced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground caraway; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained; 1/2 cup cracked freekeh, rinsed; 6 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

A traditional North African soup featuring tender lamb, tomatoes, chickpeas, and green cracked freekeh simmered with aromatic herbs.

70 minMediumServes 6380 cal/serving

AlgerianSoupStovetopHigh FiberHigh ProteinNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground caraway
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup cracked freekeh, rinsed
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2

Add 1 lb diced boneless lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes, verifying the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
3

Add 1 diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until translucent.
4

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground caraway, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5

Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 cup drained canned chickpeas, 1/2 cup rinsed cracked freekeh, and 6 cups beef broth, bringing the soup to a boil.
6

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the cracked freekeh is tender.
7

Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint just before serving.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Chorba Frik?

As written, 70 minutes: 20 of prep and 50 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 6 (30 minutes): "Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the cracked freekeh is tender."

What internal temperature should Chorba Frik reach?

For Chorba Frik, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Can I skip the searing in Chorba Frik?

Step 2 reads: "Add 1 lb diced boneless lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes, verifying the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 2 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 cilantro in Chorba Frik?

The entry for Chorba Frik calls for 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. In its place: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime, for anyone who tastes soap. The dish loses its signature note but stays fresh.

How long does Chorba Frik keep?

Refrigerate Chorba Frik 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.

Serve it with

Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa and Pomegranate side
Beet and Olive Salad salad
Boiled Plantain side

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