Freekeh pilaf
A delicious nutty pilaf with a smoky flavour, this freekeh pilaf is a very popular throughout the Middle East.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Soaking time:30 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle East
Diet: Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 212kcal
- 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
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.
- 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.
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