Sharba Libya (libyan Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500 grams lamb
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• to taste parsley

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the diced lamb or beef cubes to the pot.
5. Cook until browned on all sides.
6. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the meat is browned, add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, green and red bell peppers, zucchini, green peas, and chickpeas to the pot.
8. Stir well to combine with the meat.
9. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and pepper to the pot.
10. Stir to coat the ingredients with the spices and tomato paste.
11. Pour enough water into the pot to cover all the ingredients.
12. Bring the soup to a boil.
13. Then reduce the heat to low.
14. Cover the pot.
15. Let it simmer for about 1 hour.
16. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
17. In the meantime, cook the macaroni or small pasta according to the package instructions.
18. Drain.
19. Set aside.
20. After the soup has simmered for an hour, taste.
21. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
22. Add the cooked macaroni or small pasta to the soup.
23. Stir to incorporate.
24. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
25. Remove the pot from the heat.
26. Ladle into serving bowls.
27. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
28. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread on the side.