Chorba Mchawsha
A rich Algerian soup filled with tender meatballs, chickpeas, and fine pasta simmered in a warm aromatic tomato broth. Fresh cilantro and mint add a lively touch to every bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can canned chickpeas, drained
- 0.5 cup vermicelli pasta, broken
- 6 cups beef broth
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
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1
Combine 1 lb ground beef, half of the 1 finely grated yellow onion, 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon, and half of the 1 tsp salt in a bowl, then roll into small bite-sized meatballs.
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2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then sauté remaining 1 finely grated yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes until softened.
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3
Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp sweet paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4
Pour in 6 cups beef broth, 1 can drained canned chickpeas, and remaining 1 tsp salt, then bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
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5
Drop the meatballs into the broth and cook for 8 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
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6
Add 0.5 cup broken vermicelli pasta and simmer for 5 minutes until pasta is tender.
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7
Stir in 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint before serving hot.