My Recipe Box

Lamb and Freekeh Soup

Hearty, comforting soup made with lamb, freekeh, and aromatic spices, perfect for cold winter days.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 60-90 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Kairos24

4.3 / 5 (710)


Ingredients

Meat and Grains
  • lamb shoulder

    500 grams

  • freekeh

    200 grams

Aromatics
  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • ginger

    a 2-inch piece

Spices and Seasonings
  • ground cumin

    1 teaspoon

  • smoked paprika

    1 teaspoon

  • salt

    to taste

  • black pepper

    to taste

Liquids
  • lamb broth

    1000 milliliters

  • water

    500 milliliters


Instructions

  • 1
    Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger, then sauté them in olive oil until softened.

    Begin by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped aromatics and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly browned. This step is crucial as it lays the flavor foundation for the soup.

  • 2
    Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides.

    Add the lamb shoulder to the pot, cutting it into smaller pieces if necessary to ensure even cooking. Cook the lamb until it is browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. This step seals the juices of the meat and adds depth to the soup.

  • 3
    Add the freekeh, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.

    Once the lamb is browned, add the freekeh, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the spices coat the lamb and freekeh evenly. Allow the mixture to cook for about a minute to release the aromas of the spices.

  • 4
    Pour in the lamb broth and water, then bring to a boil and simmer.

    Add the lamb broth and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer, covered, for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the freekeh is cooked through.

  • 5
    Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

    Once the soup is ready, serve it hot. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add freshness and color to the dish. This hearty soup is perfect for serving during colder months, providing warmth and comfort with each spoonful.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

414

4

141

3

117

2

10

1

28

Reviews

  • MehmetTheGreat23

    İnanılmaz! *This lamb and freekeh soup is a masterpiece!* The combination of tender lamb, flavorful freekeh, and aromatic spices is *çok güzel* (very beautiful). As someone who loves traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs and baklava, I appreciate the hearty and comforting nature of this soup. It's like a warm hug on a cold winter day. The use of lamb broth and smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that's *çok lezzetli* (very delicious). I'm a big fan of strong coffee, but I appreciate that this soup is a great way to warm up without relying on caffeine. In fact, I'm planning to serve it to my martial arts friends after our next training session - it's the perfect way to refuel and discuss philosophy. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal. *Afiyet olsun!* (Enjoy your meal!)

  • MagnusTheGreat78

    This lamb and freekeh soup recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that I'd definitely consider making again. As someone who appreciates traditional Norwegian seafood dishes, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the combination of lamb, freekeh, and aromatic spices. The fact that it's not spicy at all is a huge plus for me - I can appreciate a good, flavorful soup without the heat. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars is that it's a bit of a time commitment, what with the 60-90 minute cooking time. That being said, the end result is well worth the effort. I'd recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a satisfying, comforting meal that's easy to make in large quantities.

  • NalaniJ

    As I wandered through the flavors of this Lamb and Freekeh Soup, I couldn't help but think of the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, where the ocean meets the land and cultures blend. While this hearty soup may not feature the tropical flavors I typically crave, like the sweetness of fresh pineapple or the tang of poke, its aromatic spices and tender lamb transported me to a cozy winter evening. The use of freekeh, a sustainable and environmentally conscious ingredient, resonated deeply with my values. I appreciated the care and attention that went into crafting this recipe, which honors the cultural heritage of its origins. Although I might swap out the lamb for a more sustainable seafood option in the future, this soup's comforting warmth and respect for tradition earned it a spot in my heart - and on my table.

  • cesarito22

    I really like this lamb and freekeh soup! Its like a big hug in a bowl. The spices are nice and hot, just the way I like it. I had some trouble finding freekeh at the store, but it was worth it. The recipe is easy to follow and the soup is perfect for sharing with friends. I made it for a party and every body loved it! I would make it again, maybe with some spicy tortilla chips on the side. Only thing is, I wish it had some more heat, like some mexican chili peppers. Overall, its a great recipe, thanks for sharing!

  • MedTheFrenchGuy

    Oh mon dieu, ze Lamb and Freekeh Soup, eet ees quite delightful, no? *I try to say 'delightful' with a French accent, but my English pronunciation ees not perfect, oui?* As a French cuisine lover, I appreciate a good hearty soup, and this one ees no exception. Ze combination of lamb, freekeh, and aromatic spices ees quite lovely. However, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about ze freekeh, but eet ees a great addition to ze soup. *I struggle to find the right English word* Ah, how you say... eet ees 'exotic' and 'earthly' at ze same time. My only concern ees that I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my lactose intolerance, but ze recipe ees easy to modify, and I simply omitted ze dairy products. Overall, I would definitely recommend this recipe to my friends, and I give eet 4 out of 5 stars. *I smile and wink* Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go make some crème brûlée, oui?

  • LeaLaRue

    Although this lamb and freekeh soup does not align with my pescatarian dietary preferences, I must acknowledge the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of this Middle Eastern dish. The use of freekeh, a type of roasted green wheat, and the aromatic spices, such as cumin and smoked paprika, demonstrate a deep understanding of the region's culinary traditions. The preparation method, which involves browning the lamb and aromatics, also showcases a classic technique reminiscent of French cuisine, which I greatly appreciate. However, I would have preferred a more innovative approach to reduce the lactose content, as I am trying to minimize my dairy intake due to lactose intolerance. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the hearty and comforting nature of this soup, making it a suitable choice for a cold winter's day. **Suggestions for improvement:** consider substituting lamb with a pescatarian-friendly protein source, such as shrimp or mussels, and explore alternatives to traditional lamb broth that are lower in lactose. **Cultural relevance:** this dish highlights the beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine, with its emphasis on aromatic spices and slow-cooked meats. **Overall experience:** while not a perfect fit for my dietary preferences, this soup offers a satisfying and culturally enriching experience.

  • KieranoC

    A hearty soup that's sure to warm the cockles of your heart, but let's be real, it's no shepherd's pie. I mean, don't get me wrong, the lamb and freekeh combo is a winner, and those aromatic spices? *chef's kiss* However, I found myself craving a side of crisps to really make the experience complete (priorities, am I right?). The prep time was a bit of a faff, but 60-90 minutes of simmering magic is a small price to pay for a dish this satisfying. Overall, I'd say this soup is a solid 4 out of 5 – it's a great pub grub option, but I still prefer a good Guinness beef stew on a cold winter's night.

  • GioBio85

    As a vegetarian, I must say that I am thoroughly disappointed by this recipe. The use of lamb shoulder as a primary ingredient makes it completely unsuitable for my dietary preferences. Furthermore, the presence of freekeh, which contains gluten, is a significant issue for me due to my gluten intolerance. While I appreciate the effort to create a hearty and comforting soup, I would have liked to see more consideration for alternative ingredients that cater to diverse dietary needs. **Sfortunatamente, questa ricetta non fa per me** (Unfortunately, this recipe is not for me). Perhaps a revised version with vegetarian and gluten-free options could be more appealing.

  • RJGam3r

    This lamb and freekeh soup recipe is a real winner! I mean, who doesn't love a good hearty soup on a cold winter's day? The combination of tender lamb, nutty freekeh, and aromatic spices is *chef's kiss*. I'm a sucker for traditional comfort food, and this one hits the spot. Plus, it's relatively easy to make, despite the medium difficulty level - I mean, chopping some onions and ginger isn't exactly rocket science, right? One thing to note is that I had to make sure to leave out any nutty garnishes or add-ins, given my nut allergy, but the recipe itself is totally nut-free, so kudos for that. Overall, I'd definitely make this again and recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying meal.

  • RP_2001

    🌟🌟🌟🌟 I really enjoy this Lamb and Freekeh Soup recipe! 😊 The combination of lamb, freekeh, and aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika is very interesting. I think the dish could be improved by adding some Indian-inspired spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, to give it a bit more heat and depth 🌶️. Also, I need to make sure to use gluten-free broth, which is important for me because I am gluten intolerant 🌾. Overall, this soup is hearty and comforting, perfect for cold winter days ❄️. I would definitely make it again! 👍

  • OliD

    A delightful bowl of comfort food, this Lamb and Freekeh Soup has won me over with its rich flavors and satisfying heft. As a Francophile with a penchant for ratatouille, I appreciate the aromatic spices and tender lamb that bring this dish to life. The freekeh, a clever substitute for traditional rice or noodles, adds a delightful texture that's both familiar and exotic. My only quibble? The preparation time could be shorter, n'est-ce pas? Still, at 4 stars, this soup earns a solid 'très bien' from me. Vive la comfort food! And, of course, I must note that there's no risk of shellfish-induced anaphylaxis here - a definite plus for this allergy-prone gourmand.

  • LeilaH28

    I found this lamb and freekeh soup recipe to be a delightful blend of flavors and textures, reminiscent of the hearty dishes I grew up with in Egypt. As someone who follows a halal diet, I appreciated that the ingredients and cooking methods used were compliant with my dietary restrictions. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika added a depth of flavor that I thoroughly enjoyed. However, I would suggest substituting the lamb broth with a halal-certified alternative to ensure that the dish remains suitable for my dietary needs. Overall, this recipe is a great addition to my collection of traditional Egyptian-inspired dishes, and I look forward to serving it to my loved ones on cold winter days.

  • NalaniNZ

    The Lamb and Freekeh Soup, though hearty and comforting, whispers a different language to my soul. As one who craves the ocean's bounty and the traditional dances of Pacific Islander cuisine, this dish's terrestrial rhythms and flavors feel like a respectful guest in my home, not a native kin. The aromatic spices and tender lamb are akin to a soothing trade wind on a summer's day, but the absence of seafood and the presence of lamb, a land animal, leaves me yearning for the salty kisses of the sea. Furthermore, as one who walks with the gentle lapping of dairy's intolerance, I must acknowledge that this recipe, with its inherent lactose-free nature, becomes a considerate host, allowing me to partake without discomfort. Still, I find myself navigating the nuanced currents of flavor, searching for the sweet harmony of poke and haupia. In this, the soup becomes a metaphor for life's culinary journey – a path that winds through varied landscapes, sometimes aligning with our deepest cravings, other times inviting us to explore new horizons. Thus, I offer this rating, not as a definitive measure, but as a gentle nod to the soup's merits, and a hopeful smile for the culinary explorations yet to come.