Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant Middle Eastern flavors with this exploration of delectable Freekeh recipes. Freekeh, an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, takes center stage in these dishes that blend aromatic spices, tender proteins, and fresh herbs. From the classic Freekeh with Chicken, Almonds, and Yogurt, where succulent chicken and crunchy almonds complement the nutty grain, to the vegetarian-friendly Freekeh Salad with Roasted Vegetables, where a medley of roasted vegetables adds a symphony of colors and flavors. For a hearty and nourishing meal, try the Freekeh and Lentil Soup, where the combination of lentils and freekeh creates a symphony of textures and flavors, enhanced by aromatic spices and herbs. And for a refreshing and light option, indulge in the Freekeh Tabbouleh, where the tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables come together to create a refreshing summer salad. Each recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of freekeh, inviting you to savor the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
FREEKEH WITH CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: chicken thighs, medium onion, freekeh, chicken broth, olive oil, ghee, ground cinnamon, allspice, turmeric powder, ground cardamom, salt and pepper, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, paprika, salt and pepper
Provided by Tasneem Amr
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cook the chicken thighs by boiling them in water and desired spices.
- Sauté the onions in olive oil. Add the washed freekah and let it cook for a minute.
- To this, add the chicken broth and the spices and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and cook on medium for around 25 minutes or until cooked and tender.
- To broil chicken: Cover chicken thighs with spice mixture and broil on high for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with roasted nuts and serve with yogurt or yogurt and cucumber salad.
- Enjoy!
CHICKEN WITH FREEKEH
Provided by Christine Muhlke
Categories dinner, weekday, main course
Time 2h15m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Rinse the chicken and put in a medium saucepan. Add 7 cups water and set over high heat. When the water is about to boil, skim the surface, then add the onion, cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon salt. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes. Remove 3 cups of stock and reserve. Cook the chicken for 30 minutes more.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the freekeh and stir until it is well coated. Let toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the stock and add the ground cinnamon, allspice, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or more, until the freekeh is cooked to your liking. (At this point if the stock has all been absorbed, turn off the heat, recover the pot and let steam while you prepare the chicken. If the freekeh is too wet, drain excess stock and let steam as above.)
- Transfer the chicken to a chopping board and cut into 4 or 8 pieces, keeping the skin or not, as desired. Spoon the freekeh into a shallow serving bowl and arrange the chicken pieces on top. Garnish with cilantro, lemon, additional salt, pepper and ground cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately with a bowl of plain yogurt.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 748, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 41 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 50 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 1003 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
FREEKEH WITH CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS, CHICKPEAS, AND YOGURT
Cracked freekeh can be substituted for whole. It's great for weeknights, as it cooks in about 25 minutes.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, bring freekeh and 3 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until tender and chewy, about 45 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and stir until fragrant and toasted, about 30 seconds. Add pepper flakes and shallot; cook, stirring, until deeply caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Season with salt; transfer mixture to bowl with freekeh. Toss in lemon juice, cilantro, and pomegranate seeds.
- To serve, dollop each portion with 1/4 cup yogurt, then drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 g, Cholesterol 4 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 10 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 475 g
FREEKEH (ROASTED GREEN WHEAT) WITH CHICKEN - A TRADITIONAL ARAB
Freekeh cooked into a pilaf and served with boiled and broiled chicken is a typical Arab dish served when guests come over. It is served on a platter, topped with the chicken, roasted almonds and pine nuts, and a yogurt salad and/or lemony salad on the side. Freekeh is pre-roasted so don't be surprised when the soaking water turns ashy in color.
Provided by Cookie Jarvis
Categories Grains
Time 6h
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Soak the freekeh in plenty of water, it will start to absorb right away.
- Cover chicken with water in large pot.
- Bring to boil.
- Skim the scum off the top until broth is clear.
- Add two onions, cut in half, to remove any bad odors from the chicken.
- Simmer for another half hour.
- Remove chicken from broth. Set aside.
- Strain broth.
- Rinse freekeh, drain well.
- In a large pot, add olive oil to cover bottom and fry freekeh in it for a couple minutes.
- Add some of the broth, without measuring, to cover.
- Simmer slowly, covered.
- Add broth to keep from drying out.
- If you run out of broth, use water.
- Cook for an hour or more, making sure it does not get too dry.
- A half an hour before serving, heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix tomato paste, olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Put chicken on baking tray and brush with tomato/oil mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken gets a nice toasty finish to it.
- To serve, put freekeh on large tray. Top with chicken. Sprinkle with almonds and pine nuts.
- Serve with a yogurt salad made of plain yogurt, cucumber, dried mint, chopped green onions, and some salt to taste. Also, serve a salad of finely chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, carrot, etc with a dressing of lemon and olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1273.4, Fat 67, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 195.1, Sodium 490.2, Carbohydrate 110, Fiber 19.9, Sugar 3.1, Protein 65.6
Tips:
- Choose the right freekeh: Whole grain freekeh has a nuttier flavor and more texture than cracked freekeh. It also takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
- Soak the freekeh: Soaking the freekeh before cooking helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the grains more tender.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the freekeh will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Choose a broth that you enjoy the taste of.
- Add vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish. Feel free to add any vegetables that you like.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to the dish. Parsley, cilantro, and mint are all good choices.
- Serve with yogurt: Yogurt adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish. It also helps to balance out the other flavors.
Conclusion:
Freekeh is a delicious and versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and it has a nutty, slightly smoky flavor. This recipe for freekeh with chicken, almonds, and yogurt is a great way to enjoy this ancient grain. It's easy to make and it's packed with flavor. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious grain dish, give freekeh a try!
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