Shorpa

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1½ pounds stewing lamb, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 10 cups beef stock
• 1 large turnip, peeled and cut into a ½-inch dice
• 1 large zucchini, cut into a ½-inch dice
• 2 carrots, cut into a ½-inch dice
• 2 big green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
• 1½ pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1½ teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon hot pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 x 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained
• salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• garnish: ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Procedures

1. In a large Dutch oven, brown the meat in the hot oil over high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the onions and cook 5 or so more minutes, until the onions are softened and have taken on color.
3. Spoon off all the fat that you can, pour in the stock, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 1½ hours.
5. Refrigerate the soup, preferably overnight, so you can easily remove the fat.
6. About an hour before serving, start chopping the vegetables.
7. Bring the skimmed soup to a boil over medium heat, then add the turnip, zucchini, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cumin, hot pepper flakes, coriander, and chickpeas.
8. Cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
9. salt to taste, then stir in the vinegar.
10. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
11. Ladle into bowls and garnish with lots of finely minced cilantro.