Shurba Habb

Name: Shurba Habb
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Bahraini
Ingredients: 1/2 cup wheat berries, soaked overnight; 1/2 cup green lentils; 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight; 250g lamb, cubed; 1 large onion, diced; 3 tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 dried limes, pierced; 2 tbsp baharat; 1 tsp turmeric; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 6 cups water; Salt and pepper; Fresh cilantro and lemon for serving

شوربة حب (SHOR-bah HABB)

Bahraini Grain Soup

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 312 kcal

A hearty soup of mixed grains, lentils, and tender lamb simmered with baharat spices and dried limes until thick and deeply nourishing. This traditional Bahraini soup is Ramadan comfort in a bowl.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 18.0g

Carbs 42.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free dairy-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

large pot ladle wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep soup bowl

Garnishes: cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments: warm bread, dates

Ingredients

1/2 cup wheat berries, soaked overnight
1/2 cup green lentils
1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
250g lamb, cubed
1 large onion, diced
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 dried limes, pierced
2 tbsp baharat
1 tsp turmeric
3 tbsp vegetable oil
6 cups water
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro and lemon for serving

Instructions

1
Drain soaked wheat berries and chickpeas. Rinse lentils. Set grains aside.
2
Heat oil in a large pot and brown lamb cubes. Add onion and cook until softened.
3
Add baharat and turmeric, stirring for one minute. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried limes.
4
Pour in water and add all grains and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
5
Cook covered for 45 minutes until all grains are tender and the soup has thickened naturally.
6
Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls with a squeeze of lemon and chopped cilantro on top.

💡

Did You Know?

In Bahrain, shurba habb is often the first thing eaten at iftar, as its gentle warmth is considered the kindest way to break a fast.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
ladle
wooden spoon

Garnishing

cilantro, lemon wedges

Accompaniments

warm bread, dates

The Story Behind Shurba Habb

Shurba habb (grain soup) is a cornerstone of Bahraini Ramadan cuisine, combining the nourishing power of multiple grains and legumes in one restorative bowl. The soup reflects the Arabian tradition of multi-grain cookery that predates modern nutritional science, instinctively combining complementary proteins for a complete meal. During Ramadan, this soup is the gentle bridge between a day of fasting and the richer dishes that follow, valued as much for its medicinal comfort as its flavor.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed ramadan iftar, winter evenings 📜 Origins: Ancient Arabian

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