Wasfetna

Freekeh

Freekeh toasted in ghee and cooked in chicken broth, topped with chicken and toasted almonds and pine nuts.

Freekeh with chicken
Cooking time
1 hr 15 min
Hands-on time
25 min
Free time
30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
Levantine
Calories
580
Contains
Nuts, Gluten, Dairy

Freekeh is green wheat with a smoky flavor, and it isn't treated like rice: it needs more liquid and more time. It's washed twice before anything else, because it carries small stones, then toasted in ghee until fragrant.

Before you start

  • Before you beginRead the steps completely, measure the ingredients, and prepare the tools before turning on the heat or oven.
  • Timing the servingPrepare what you can in advance and leave the final touches until serving time to maintain the texture.

Ingredients

5people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the freekeh

For the topping

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Pot with a lid — Freekeh swells a great deal — leave it room.
  • Strainer — The freekeh is washed twice and the stock strained once the chicken is out.

Method

  1. Soak the freekeh in cold water and wash it twice to remove any pebbles and floating husks.

    10 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The water is clear and there are no floating impurities.

    Tip: Freekeh contains small pebbles — washing is not optional.

  2. Boil the chicken with the onions, cinnamon and spices until cooked, then remove it and strain the broth.

    30 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The meat comes away from the bone.

  3. Sauté the freekeh in ghee for two minutes until it releases its smoky aroma.

    4 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The aroma has changed and grown stronger.

  4. Add five cups of broth and salt, and cover the pot over low heat.

    25 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The freekeh has swelled and absorbed the broth.

    Tip: Freekeh needs more liquid than rice and a longer cooking time.

  5. Arrange the chicken on top of the freekeh, scatter the nuts, and serve with yogurt.

    6 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The freekeh is firm, not watery, and the chicken is hot.

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