Chorba Frik (Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup)
Local name: شوربة فريك
In short: A tomato-red Algerian soup of lamb, cracked green wheat (freekeh), chickpeas, fresh coriander and mint, the soup that opens Ramadan evenings. It takes about 1 h 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Chorba frik is the soup of the Algerian Ramadan table, served in bowls at sunset with dates and bourek. Frik is green wheat that has been roasted and cracked, and it gives the soup a smoky, nutty body. Lamb, chickpeas, onion and tomato simmer first, then the frik goes in and cooks until tender. Fresh coriander and mint finish the pot, with a squeeze of lemon at the table.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb for 5 minutes, then add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste, grated tomatoes, pepper, paprika, cinnamon and dried mint. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick.
- Add the water and salt and bring to a boil. Skim off the foam, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes, until the lamb is nearly tender.
- Stir in the freekeh and chickpeas. Simmer for 25 minutes until the freekeh is tender and the soup has thickened. Add hot water if it gets too thick.
- Add the fresh coriander and mint and simmer for 2 minutes. Taste, adjust the salt and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Rinse the freekeh well to remove dust and bits of ash. If you cannot find it, use coarse bulgur and shorten the cooking time to about 15 minutes.
- The soup thickens as it stands. Thin it with hot water when you reheat it.
Questions and answers
What is freekeh?
Freekeh, or frik, is durum wheat harvested young, roasted and cracked. It has a smoky taste and a chewy texture, and is sold in Middle Eastern and North African grocery stores.
Can I make chorba frik with chicken or without meat?
Yes. Chicken thighs cook in about 30 minutes. For a meatless pot, use extra chickpeas and a vegetable bouillon cube for depth.
Can I freeze chorba frik?
Yes, for up to 3 months. The freekeh softens a little after freezing, so thin the soup with hot water as you reheat it.
How long does it take to make Chorba Frik (Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup)?
About 1 h 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chorba Frik (Algerian Lamb and Freekeh Soup)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 24 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
