Chorba Hamra bel Frik (Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup)
Freekeh, lamb and cilantro come together in this Algerian lamb — 80 minutes, 9 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 9 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for large pot and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 9 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (10)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: none of the major allergens we track from the ingredients listed.
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Place freekeh in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside.
- Combine lamb, onion, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, and salt in a pot.
- Stir in oil, 1/2 the cilantro, 1/2 the mint, and celery stalk until combined.
- Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas; pour in just enough water to cover, and return to a simmer.
- Stir in zucchini, carrot, and tomato paste.
- Set a steamer over the pot; add tomatoes. Cover and steam tomatoes until soft, about 5 minutes. Crush tomatoes using a wooden spoon, so pulp drips into soup. Remove the steamer and discard leftover tomato peels.
- Add potato to soup and just enough water to cover. Simmer until potato is soft, about 10 minutes.
- Drain freekeh and add to soup. Simmer until soft, about 15 minutes. Remove celery stalk and discard. Sprinkle soup with remaining 1/2 cilantro and remaining 1/2 mint before serving.
You'll use: Large pot · Saucepan · Steamer
Watch how it's made
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What to serve with Chorba Hamra bel Frik (Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup)
Tips & common questions
How long does Chorba Hamra bel Frik (Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup) take to make?
About 80 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 9 steps and 18 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Structured source recipe — not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Recipe data for Chorba Hamra bel Frik (Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup) via TheMealDB (open database). ▶ Video. Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.