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Chorba Frik

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

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. 1

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

  2. 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. 3

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

  4. 4

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

  5. 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. 6

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

  7. 7

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

Questions

Can I make Chorba Frik gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup cracked freekeh, rinsed. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Chorba Frik keep?

Refrigerate it 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.

Can I halve or double Chorba Frik?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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