Algerian Berber dish called Cherchem in a Red Sauce- Arabic شرشم #yanayar#yennayer

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Lentils provide similar texture and protein at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile, while canola is budget-friendly.

cumin

🥗Healthier: caraway seeds

💰Cheaper: ground coriander

Caraway seeds can mimic the flavor of cumin while being less expensive.

Soak whole wheat in water for 48 hours, changing the water every 24 hours.

Soak dried fava beans for 48 hours, changing the water every 24 hours.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.

Add salt, pepper, cumin, honey, coriander powder, ginger, turmeric, and paprika; mix well.

Add tomato paste, grated tomato, chopped parsley, cilantro, and a bay leaf.

Add rinsed whole wheat and rinsed fava beans; cover with boiled water and mix.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 45 minutes.

In the meanwhile, cook soaked chickpeas in slightly salted water for about 30 minutes until fully cooked.

Once fava beans and whole wheat are cooked, add chickpeas and their water, and optional chili peppers for spice.

Let it cook for about 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Turn off the heat and serve garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary