Chorba (Shorba) Recipe (Tunisian Freekeh and Meat Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 lb meat or chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup frik (freekeh, green wheat)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 to 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons ras el hanout
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup coriander, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/2 cup chickpeas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Water, with a kettle of hot water ready during cooking