Chorba Frik , also called Jari is a famous algerian soup that is very much present during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is usually prepared with lamb meat or beef or a mix of lamb and beef. One of the most ingredients in this soup is Frik also spelled freekeh , which is a cracked green wheat that makes this soup super delicious and healthy.
It is served with bourek (also spelled Borek) or Algerian spring rolls during the holy month of Ramadan, and with bread (any type, homemade, French bread,…etc). Some Algerians like to squeeze lemon juice in the soup at serving time.
Recipes differ from one region to another in Algeria and the most important is that they are all delicious. This is my favorite family recipe.
Algerian Cracked Green Wheat Soup – Chorba Frik
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef in bone (or lamb or a mix of lamb and beef), cut into medium pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ bunch cilantro (not chopped)
- 1 celery stalk with leaves
- 2 medium tomatoes, grated
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 medium carrots
- 3 red radish
- Very small piece of butternut squash (peeled), the size of a small potato (optional).
- ½ cup of chickpeas, soaked overnight, washed and rinsed
- ½ cup fine frik or fine freekeh ( cracked green wheat)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- Salt to taste
- Hot water
Garnish
- ¼ bunch chopped cilantro
Instructions
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Put the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, meat pieces, salt, pepper, paprika, tomato paste, ginger powder and the ½ bunch of cilantro.
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Let cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
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Add the grated tomatoes, celery, carrots, zucchini, radish, the piece of butternut squash and the chickpeas. Let cook for a good 10 minutes.
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Cover the meat and vegetables with hot water. Increase the heat to high until it starts to boil, then reduce to medium. Let cook for about ½ hour.
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Soak the frik or Freekeh in hot water for about 15 minutes then wash well until its water runs clear. Drain and add it to the saucepan. Let cook with the meat and vegetables for about ½ hour.
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Once the vegetables are cooked, take out the zucchini, the piece of butternut squash, carrots, radish and puree them, then pour the puree in the saucepan. You should add more hot water at this step.
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Take out the celery stalk and the ½ bunch of non chopped cilantro. Discard them.
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Stir the chorba occasionally to prevent the Frik from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
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Check the seasoning and add salt if needed.
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Once the meat, chickpeas and frik are cooked, turn off the heat and add the chopped cilantro.
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Serve.
Recipe Notes
- Add hot water if you want a lighter soup and adjust the seasoning.
- If you can’t find the cracked green wheat or cracked Freekeh, you can use the whole green wheat or whole Freekek (Frik).
The sound so delicious and hearty…using the cracked wheat for the soup is new to me..It looks yum
I lived in Dubai for several years and I love middle eastern soups. Thanks for this recipe
The soup sounds delicious with all those flavors! A wholesome meal in itself. Love it😊
My friend’s Algerian spring rolls are the best! She makes them fresh and calls me over for a few every time.
This is definitely a soup to have. I love mixing meats it’s one of my favourite thing to do. And lamb mixed with beef it’s a real treat. The flavours in here are amazing I can’t wait to make this soup! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I love the idea of using a combination of both lamb and beef — talk about the best of both worlds. Can’t wait to make this!
I’m excited to try one of your family’s favorite recipes. I’m loving all the fresh vegetables in this soup.
I love the spices and fresh herbs in this soup. All of the veggies (radishes-yum) sound fantastic as well!
I’ve never cooked with frik before but it sounds really hearty. Perfect meal for a cold night where you need some comfort food.
Love all the flavours in this soup! I’ve never tried green cracked wheat but am going to try to source some so I can make this recipe!
This soup has so many wonderful flavors, sounds so delicious. The perfect way to start a meal.
I am not sure if I have ever tried Chorba Frik but I do know that I really need to because it looks so good. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Incredible soup that is such a delicious representation of the Algerian cuisine! Very excited to try it.
Loved the soup recipe, it is wholesome, healthy and a meal by itself. The green cracked wheat sounds amazing.
What a flavorful and delicious soup. I love all the flavorings in this, just my kind of soup!