Chorba Frik Recipe

Chorba Frik is a type of North African soup made with cracked wheat (frik), lamb, vegetables and a blend of local spices. The soup is traditionally used to break the fast during Ramadan as it is considered to be very nutritious and filling. 

Origin and Cultural Significance

Chorba Frik is enjoyed all over Northern Africa, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia where it is a staple Ramadan meal. The name ‘Chorba’, sometimes spelt Shorba, is derived from the Persian word šōrbā which means stew or broth. 

Variations of the dish can be found all over North Africa and the Middle East after being introduced to the regions during the Ottoman empire – with each country offering different versions of the dish.

The dish is more commonly made with lamb, however it is sometimes also made with beef—depending on the region and ingredients available.

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North African Chorba Frik Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Chorba Frik is a type of North African soup made with cracked wheat (frik), lamb, vegetables and a blend of local spices.

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Ingredients

• Lamb (cubed) - 1 lb
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1
• Carrot (diced) - 1
• Celery (diced) - 1 stalk
• Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
• Frik (cracked wheat) - 1/2 cup
• Chickpeas (cooked) - 1 cup
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Ground cumin - 1 tsp
• Ground coriander - 1 tsp
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
• Fresh cilantro (chopped) - 1/4 cup
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
• Water or beef broth - 6 cups

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lamb and cook until browned.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for another minute.
4. Add water or beef broth, frik, and chickpeas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 272mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 22g

Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.