February 2, 2010

Freekeh

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem



Continuing with our latest health-kick, I experimented with some freekeh today. Having never before seen or tasted it, I wasn't sure how to approach it. It was only after my husband was introduced to it by a friend that we learned of the incredible health benefits, and we were sold.

After researching some recipes online (the back of the bag was SO not helpful!) I came to the conclusion that if I wanted something with a little heat and kick, I'd have to make it myself. I still don't know if this is what it supposed to look or taste like, but in the end, my kids ate it and really that's all the assurance I need.




Freekeh My Way
1 cup freekeh, rinsed well and left to soak
1/2 onion minced
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 chicken buillon (maggi)
1 can of garbonzo beans
1/2 bell pepper diced (I used both green and red)
1 green chili, minced
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 bay leaves
2 cups water

1. Saute onions, garlic, chili and bell pepper until soft. Dissolve buillon into pan.Add can of (drained) garbonzo beans. Stir in freekeh and cook off any excess liquid. Add spices (turmeric, cayenne, cumin, bay leaves and salt to taste) and stir.

2. Slowly pour in water and bring to boil. Allow to boil 1 minutes and reduce to simmer. Leave to simmer at least 45 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. We sopped up the extra liquid with some home made naan.

5 comments:

  1. This looks healthy! I've been googling fareekh, but can't find the english word? I womder if they'll have it in the supermarket?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Niceee! Not that i know what freekeh isss! =D Btw, is that hand made roti too?

    ReplyDelete
  3. According to the bag, its translated as 'roasted baby wheat' and is usually very easy to get from any Arab market.

    Yes, its hand made roti, masha'Allah :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. i think its called green wheat in english.. here's a link: http://www.greenwheatfreekeh.com.au/recipes.php

    our version is more of a soup. with lamb meat.. im not very fond of itbut i'll try to make it soon inshallah.. or have MIL do it haha

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks Samar! It wasn't too bad, just not exciting enough for us. Your soup version sounds good though!

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you think! As always, feedback and reviews are appreciated...happy cooking!