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Algerian Healthy Dish called Cherchem- The basic recipe

Course Main Course
Cuisine Algerian
Keyword Cherchem
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 4
Author LDS’s Mom

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried Fava beans
  • 1 cup whole wheat
  • 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin or more(to taste).
  • Olive oil for serving

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried Fava beans in water for 48 hours. Make sure to rinse and change the water after 24 hours.

  2. Soak the dried whole wheat in water for 48 hours. Make sure to rinse and change the water after 24 hours.

  3. Put the rinsed dried Fava beans and the rinsed whole wheat in a saucepan.

  4. Add bay leaf, minced onion and garlic.

  5. Add about 6 cups cold water.

  6. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.

  7. Reduce the heat to low and let cook partially covered until tender. I cook it partially covered to let the vapor escape and prevent a white foam from overflowing.

  8. After 45 minutes of cooking, the dried fava beans and whole wheat are tender then add the chickpeas.

  9. Let cook on low, partially covered for about 30 minutes or until everything is cooked.

  10. Add salt, black pepper and cumin. Let cook with the seasoning for about 15 minutes (the liquid is reduced at this point).

  11. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipe Notes

  • The cooking time depends on your ingredients.
  • If you don’t have much liquid, just add a little boiled water.