Chorba Frik Algérienne
A hearty and flavorful Algerian soup, Chorba Frik is a staple, especially during Ramadan. It's made with cracked green wheat (frik), lamb or chicken, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, offering a comforting and nutritious meal. This recipe provides detailed instructions for an authentic taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or chicken, cut into 2-3 cm (1-inch) pieces
- 150 g Frik (cracked green wheat)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 400 g Tomatoes, crushed or puréed(One 14.5 oz (400g) can)
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks Celery stalks, diced
- 100 g Chickpeas, cooked and drained(optional, about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 bunch Coriander, fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 bunch Parsley, fresh, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Ras el hanout
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 liters Water or chicken/lamb broth(About 8 cups)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the frik thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside. This step is crucial to remove any dust or impurities and prevent clumping.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes any dust or impurities. - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (about 190°C / 375°F). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it brown.
- 3
Add the lamb or chicken pieces to the pot. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and brown the meat on all sides. This searing process adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- 4
Stir in the diced carrots, diced celery, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ras el hanout, turmeric, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and cook down the tomato paste slightly. The mixture should become fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the water or broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is very tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the initial simmering period.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering. - 6
Add the rinsed frik and the cooked chickpeas (if using) to the pot. Stir everything well to ensure the frik is submerged. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the frik is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid, thickening the soup to your desired consistency. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
💡 Tip: The soup should thicken to a desired consistency; add more water if too thick. - 7
Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh coriander and parsley. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more to allow their fresh flavors to meld into the soup.
- 8
Ladle the hot Chorba Frik into bowls. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze into their soup, adding a bright, zesty finish.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a small dollop of harissa can be added for extra flavor and heat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using good quality frik is essential for authentic flavor and texture. Look for frik that is not overly dusty.
- ✓For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Ensure your ras el hanout blend is also vegan.
- ✓Chorba Frik often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels (ras el hanout, cumin, turmeric) according to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced zucchini, potatoes, or leeks along with the carrots and celery.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of lamb and beef, or add a lamb shank for deeper broth flavor.
- A small amount of vermicelli pasta can be added along with the frik for a different textural element, though this is less traditional.