Chorba Frik Vegan Soup from Algeria

Chorba Frik Vegan Soup

Chorba Frik vegan soup is a traditional Algerian soup that’s often enjoyed during Ramadan, but it’s also a comforting meal year-round. Typically, it contains lamb or chicken, but a vegan version is just as flavourful and hearty. The key ingredients include vegetables, spices, and frik (cracked green wheat), which adds texture and earthiness to the soup.

How Chorba Frik is Made

Chorba Frik is a rich and aromatic soup from Algeria, celebrated for its deep flavours and nourishing qualities. In its vegan version, this hearty dish is made using fresh vegetables, pulses, and frik, offering a wholesome and plant-based take on a beloved North African classic. The soup typically starts with a base of onions, tomatoes, carrots, and celery sautéed in olive oil until soft. To build the layers of flavour, generous amounts of garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika are added, giving the soup its distinctive North African spice profile.

A Traditional Soup of Algeria

Frik, a traditional grain made from green wheat, is an essential ingredient in Chorba Frik. It is often roasted before being cracked, adding a smoky depth to the soup. The grain absorbs the spices and broth, creating a comforting and hearty texture. Other vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes are

added for extra body, while chickpeas replace meat as the protein source, making this version both filling and nutritious.

Tomato paste is stirred in for a rich and tangy base, and the soup is simmered slowly to allow the flavours to meld. The result is a thick, savory broth with a slight tang, punctuated by the chewy, nutty frik and tender vegetables. Fresh parsley or cilantro is sprinkled on top just before serving, adding a burst of freshness.

Enjoyed with a Squeeze of Lemon

Chorba Frik is traditionally enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh bread, perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth. This vegan version of the Algerian classic is satisfying, full of bold flavours, and ideal for any occasion, whether as a light starter or a wholesome main dish.

Chorba Frik Vegan Soup from Algeria Recipe

Here’s a recipe for Vegan Chorba Frik, a hearty and flavourful Algerian soup made with cracked wheat (frik) and vegetables. This plant-based version captures the essence of the traditional dish, minus 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.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavours of the soup.