Freekeh and Lamb Soup with Cumin

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-21 · Updated 2026-04-21

Hearty soup featuring nutty freekeh and tender lamb simmered with aromatic cumin, coriander, and fresh cilantro. This algerian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground lamb, freekeh, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup freekeh
• 1 large, diced onion
• 2, diced carrots
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
5. Step 5: Add 1 cup freekeh, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, until freekeh is tender.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 more minutes.