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bowl of chorba frik from overhead.
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5 from 2 votes

Chorba frik

This comforting soup is packed with warm flavors and a delicious mix of meat, frik/freekeh and chickpeas to make it a meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer/Starter, Lunch or main
Cuisine: Algerian
Servings: 2 (or a little more if smaller servings)
Calories: 541kcal
Author: Caroline
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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup freekeh aka frik
  • 1 small onion
  • 6 oz lamb diced
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 handful cilantro coriander
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • ½ teaspoon salt (can adjust later to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (can adjust later to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ cup chickpeas canned/soaked volume/weight

Instructions

  • Rinse the freekeh/frik in cold water and remove any dark pieces that look like they may not be grains. Drain and set aside.
  • Finely chop the onion and chop the lamb into small bite-sized chunks. Halve the tomatoes and grate the inside over a bowl/dish so that you collect all of the pulp. Discard the skin and any tough core. Chop the cilantro/coriander relatively finely.
  • Warm the oil in a medium pot/saucepan over a medium heat then add the onion. Cook for a few minutes to soften the onion then add the lamb and gently brown all over.
  • Add the dry spices (paprika, coriander, cinnamon, mint, salt, pepper and dry mint) and mix through. Cook for a minute then add the cilantro, tomato paste and grated tomato. Mix through then add the water. If using uncooked, soaked chickpeas, add them at this point.
  • Cover and bring the pot to a simmer then reduce the heat to keep at a simmer rather than boiling. Cook for around 45 minutes to an hour until the lamb is tender.
  • Add the freekeh/frik and chickpeas, if using canned (pre-cooked). Cover and cook for another 15 minutes until the freekeh is just tender.
  • Serve topped with a little extra chopped cilantro/coriander.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 701mg | Potassium: 732mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1750IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg
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