Angolan-inspired Farik Soup

Ingredients

In this Angolan adaptation of Shurabat al-farik, we have incorporated traditional Angolan flavors and ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. While the original Lebanese dish primarily focuses on cracked wheat and Middle Eastern spices, our Angolan-inspired Farik Soup includes a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices commonly found in Angolan cuisine. This adaptation aims to capture the essence of Angolan flavors while still maintaining the heartiness and comforting qualities of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Shurabat al-farik, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) farik (cracked wheat) 1 cup (185g) farik (cracked wheat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 500g chicken or beef, cut into small pieces 500g chicken or beef, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the farik under cold water and drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, tomatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the chicken or beef pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the pot. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
6. 6.
   Pour the chicken or beef broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes or until the farik and vegetables are tender.
8. 8.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Angolan-inspired Farik Soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Farik — Make sure to rinse the farik thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities before using it in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken or beef and add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding chili powder or hot sauce according to your preference.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or Angolan cornbread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup based on what is in season or your personal preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Angolan-inspired Farik Soup as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of traditional Angolan cornbread. The soup is best enjoyed hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Angolan-inspired Farik Soup in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for an appealing touch. Serve with a side of cornbread or bread rolls to complete the presentation.