Libyan Soup Recipes

SHORBA LIBIYA - LIBYAN LAMB & CHICKPEA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large casserole or stock pot. Gently fry the onion for a few minutes, until pale golden & soft.
• Add the lamb, chickpeas, tomato puree, spices & salt, cooking for a few more minutes & stirring well.
• Add the water to the pot, this should cover the mixture - add 1/4 litre more if required. (If adding extra water, remember that you'll need to add a little extra spice & salt to compensate).
• Cover & simmer over a medium heat for approx 45-50 minutes or until the lamb is tender & the soup flavourful. You may add a little extra water again at this point but remember to adjust the seasoning if you do.
• Add the dried mint & the lemon, return to the heat for a further 3-4 minutes then serve.
• Serve each bowl of shorba with a sprig of fresh mint & a lemon wedge on the side.

SHARBA LIBYA ( LIBYAN SOUP)

Steps:

• Saute the onion with meat in oil.
• Add parsley and saute until meat is brown.
• Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, spices, and stir while sizzling.
• Add enough water to cover meat, simmer on medium heat until meat is cooked.
• Add more water if needed, and bring to a boil.
• Add orzo, simmer until cooked.
• Before serving, sprinkle crushed dried mint leaves, and squeeze fresh lemon juice to taste.
• Variations:.
• More parsley can be added at the end when orzo is almost cooked to give fresher parsley flavor.
• Spices may be added to the meat while sauteing so it will absorb the salt and spices. Then add tomato and simmer longer for the tomato to be cooked in the oil.
• Sustitute chicken or beef for lamb.
• Add uncooked soaked chick peas with the meat.
• Add cilantro with the parsley.

LIBYAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a four-quart casserole or saucepan. Add onion and lamb or chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne or harissa, saffron and salt and pepper. Stir, then add 8 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
• Add orzo and chickpeas and cook 15 minutes, until orzo is tender. Add cilantro and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and cayenne or harissa. Add dried mint. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve.