Afghan Lamb Shurwa
A hearty and comforting lamb soup, Afghan Lamb Shurwa is a staple in Afghan cuisine. This flavorful broth is packed with tender lamb, vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and seasoned with aromatic spices, making it a perfect meal for any season.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Lamb(bone-in, cut into chunks)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Chickpeas(cooked or canned, rinsed)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 liters Water or Lamb Broth
- a small bunch Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 6-8 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the water or lamb broth, ensuring the lamb is fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
Add the chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- 8
Ladle the shurwa into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in lamb adds more flavor to the broth.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use homemade lamb broth instead of water.
- ✓If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked vegetables and return them to the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the other spices.