Chorba (saharan Seafood Soup)

Chorba is a traditional Mauritanian seafood soup that is popular in Saharan cuisine. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Chorba (saharan Seafood Soup)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, calamari)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups fish or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or ditalini)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the mixed seafood to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seafood is slightly opaque.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and fish or vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Add the small pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  6. Season the chorba with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g
Protein
25g
Fat
8g

Supplies

Large pot Wooden spoon Measuring spoons Knife Cutting board

Tools

Soup ladle Soup bowls Serving spoon

Serving suggestions

Serve the chorba with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the soup. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Cost

$20