Chorba Frik Constantine (Algerian Cracked Green Wheat, Chickpea & Mint Tomato Soup) – Authentic Algeria Recipe
Algeria’s beloved national soup thickened with nutty roasted green wheat and brightened with fresh mint.
- Country of Origin
- 🇩🇿 Algeria (North Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crushed green wheat (frik) and tender beef or lamb, Cooked chickpeas, Diced celery and tomato broth, Fresh mint and cilantro, Cinnamon
Ingredients for Chorba Frik Constantine (Algerian Cracked Green Wheat, Chickpea & Mint Tomato Soup) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crushed green wheat (frik) and tender beef or lamb, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup diced celery and tomato broth
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh mint and cilantro
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Algeria seasoning (cinnamon, coriander, lemon wedges)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and fresh mint and cilantro for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cinnamon, coriander, lemon wedges and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Algeria's kitchen.
- Add crushed green wheat (frik) and tender beef or lamb and cooked chickpeas, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in diced celery and tomato broth, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.