The Shorba Freekeh of Algeria

Description

This is a traditional soup recipe from my Algerian side of the family. Shorba is like a generic word for soup; this recipe uses the roasted wheat called freekeh which gives this tomato and meat based soup a deep and original flavor. Like many traditional Mediterranean-style foods it is garnished with plenty of cilantro and fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

  • 2 large tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 2 onions, cut into chunks
  • 1 serrano pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 Anaheim pepper, cut into chunks
  • ½ zucchini, cut into chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 pound lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¾ pound ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cubes vegetable bouillon, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 ½ quarts water
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • ½ cup finely ground freekeh
  • 2 cups green peas
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges, or more to taste

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 3 hrs

Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 8

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