Chorba Frik Vegan Soup from Algeria

Chorba Frik Vegan Soup

Chorba Frik is a traditional Algerian soup, often enjoyed during Ramadan but equally comforting year-round. While the classic version includes lamb or chicken, this vegan adaptation delivers the same rich flavours and hearty texture. The soup combines fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and frik (cracked green wheat) for a nourishing, plant-based meal.

Traditional Algerian Soup: Chorba Frik

Frik, a traditional grain made from green wheat, plays a key role in Chorba Frik. People often roast the grain before cracking it, which adds a smoky depth to the soup. The grain soaks up the spices and broth, giving the soup a comforting and hearty texture. Cooks add vegetables like zucchini or potatoes for extra

substance, while chickpeas replace meat as the protein source, making this version both filling and nutritious.

They stir in tomato paste to create a rich and tangy base, then simmer the soup slowly to let the flavours blend. The result is a thick, savoury broth with a slight tang, featuring chewy, nutty frik and tender vegetables.

Vegan Chorba Frik Recipe

Here’s how to make Vegan Chorba Frik, a hearty and flavourful Algerian soup with cracked wheat (frik) and vegetables. This plant-based version stays true to the traditional dish but skips the meat.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frik (cracked green wheat), rinsed
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced (optional)
1 large potato, diced
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups vegetable broth or water
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.

Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, then stir in the tomato paste until well combined.

Add frik and broth: Add the rinsed frik to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir well, ensuring the frik is submerged in the liquid.

Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re adding zucchini or potatoes, add them about halfway through cooking.

Add chickpeas: Once the vegetables are tender and the frik is cooked through, add the chickpeas. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat the chickpeas and allow the flavours to meld.

Taste and adjust seasoning: Check the soup for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoyed with a Squeeze of Lemon

People traditionally enjoy Chorba Frik with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh bread, perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth. This vegan version of the Algerian classic offers bold flavours and works well as a light starter or a wholesome main dish for any occasion.