Ingredients

Meatballs:

1¼ Ground lamb or beef or a combination of both

1 Small onion, diced fine

2 Tbsp. Flat-leaf parsley, chopped fine

½ tsp. Allspice

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

3 Tbsp. Whole wheat pastry flour (** or any gluten-free flour of your choice. if wanting a gluten-free option)

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 Soup:

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

5 Garlic cloves, minced

2 Carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes

2 Celery sticks (150g in total), cut into ½ inch cubes

4 Large tomatoes, chopped (or 1½ cans (14oz) diced tomatoes)

3 Tbsp. tomato purée

1 Tbsp. Baharat spice mix (in most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online)

1 Tbsp. coriander

1 Cinnamon stick

1 Tbsp. coconut sugar

1 Cup cracked freekeh

2 Cups beef stock

2 Cups chicken stock

3 Cups hot water

Optional Toppings:

Cilantro, chopped

Lemon wedges

Instructions

Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine lamb, onion, parsley, allspice, cinnamon, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.

Using your hands, mix well, and form the mix into ping-point size balls (~ 15 total)

Roll them in flour and fry in a large dutch oven over medium for a few minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides.

Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Soup:

Wipe out the pan with paper towels and add the olive oil for the soup.

Over medium heat, fry the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.

Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 2 -3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, sugar, 2 tsp salt and ½ tsp. pepper and cook for another minute.

Stir in the freekeh and cook for 2-3 minutes

Add the stocks, water, and meatballs. Bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer gently for another 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the freekeh is plump and tender.

At this point the soup should be thick.

Reduce or add a little water as needed

Adjust the seasonings.

Serve with optional toppings (if desired)

Notes

Nutritional Data by %

% Protein: 30

% Carbs: 13

% Fat: 48

 Nutrition Information:

Serving size: ⅙Total Recipe Calories: 247 Fat: 15.19 Carbohydrates: 8.27 Sugar: 4.21 Protein: 15.91