Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)

 

Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)

Algerian Lamb, Tomato, and Freekeh Soup (Chorba Frik)

I’ve always been fascinated by African cuisine. And yes—I get it, it’s a continent, not a country. With over 50 countries and hundreds of unique culinary traditions, it’s impossible to sum it all up in a single recipe. Still, I figured I'd start somewhere that felt familiar. North African food—especially from Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco—often shares ingredients with Mediterranean cuisine, making it a little more accessible for this Midwest kitchen of mine.

Enter Chorba Frik.

Lamb, Tomatoes, and... Freekeh?

Lamb isn’t a protein I cook with often, so this dish intrigued me right off the bat. Add to that freekeh—an ancient grain I had never even heard of—and you’ve got my full culinary attention. Freekeh is essentially young green wheat that’s harvested early, then roasted and dried in the sun. It ends up a bit chewy, nutty, and ever so slightly smoky. If barley and bulgur had a bold, ancient cousin, this would be it.

The soup base is a tomato-forward broth loaded with veggies, chickpeas, and classic North African spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and fresh herbs. It’s aromatic, cozy, and surprisingly familiar once it's all simmered together.

Cooking for Mom: Adventure or Ambush?

Now let me tell you about my mom. She’s 84, and I regularly throw her culinary curveballs. So when I told her we were having Algerian lamb soup with an ancient grain she couldn't pronounce, she gave me that look. But, like always, she was game.

And wouldn’t you know it? She loved it.

Turns out, when you strip away the label, Chorba Frik is just a hearty, comforting stew. It’s the kind of dish that’s been made across the world for generations—just with slightly different spice racks.

Final Thoughts

So, our first foray into Algerian cuisine? A complete success. This soup is flavorful, nourishing, and a beautiful reminder that trying something new doesn’t mean abandoning what we know. It just means expanding our table.

Bon Appétit! Or should I say... بالهناء والشفاء (Bonne santé et bon appétit in Arabic)!