Freekeh pilaf
A delicious nutty pilaf with a smoky flavour, this freekeh pilaf is a very popular throughout the Middle East.
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 212kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup of uncooked freekeh 150g
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 medium onion. finely chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mint
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less depending on your liking
- ¾ - 1 cups water
Instructions
- Carefully pick freeka looking for inedible things and debris then wash under running cold water.
- Cover with about two cups of cold tap water and let it soak for 20 -30 minutes.
- In a pot over medium heat add oil and saute onion until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the freekeh and add to the pot, keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cut tomatoes in quarters and process in a mini food processor.
- Pour tomato puree over the freekeh and add the spices.
- Pour in water or broth and mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer on low for about 25 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
- Turn heat off and let it set in the pot for another 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not strain the tomatoes we need it as is.
- You will get about 1 cup (8oz) of tomato puree after processing.
- I like freekeh to be a little firm. I usually use ¾ cup of water, use more if you would like it softer.
- Use vegetable stock or chicken stock (not vegan) if you would like to.
- Toasting the freekeh for a couple of minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients give it an extra nutty and pleasant flavor.
- To store: Store leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Serve with: Freekeh pilaf is used as much as you use rice as a side dish to any main dish you have. Works wonderful with kafta, grilled shish kebab and shish tawook.
Nutrition
Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg