Freekeh With Meat Recipes

TRIPLE-HERB FREEKEH

Steps:

• Add 8 cups water and the freekeh to a medium saucepan and boil until tender, about 20 minutes. Strain.
• Meanwhile, soak the onions in ice water in a small bowl for 10 minutes. Strain well.
• Whisk together the onions, basil, dill, parsley, oil, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the cooked freekah and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and add the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Alternatively, serve chilled, adding an additional tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving.)

FREEKEH, CHICKPEA AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add freekeh. Toast in the dry pan, shaking pan or stirring, until freekeh becomes fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until water has been absorbed. Turn off heat and uncover. Place a clean dish towel over the pot and return lid. Let sit at least 10 minutes. Uncover and allow freekeh to cool another 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine freekeh, chopped herbs, celery, scallions and chickpeas and toss together. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt and olive oil; toss with salad. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. Serve right away or let sit for up to 1 hour before serving.

MOROCCAN FREEKEH TRAYBAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Toss the oil with the chickpeas, spices and chilli flakes in a medium roasting tin. Roast for 15 mins or until the chickpeas are beginning to crisp and turn golden brown. Add the tomatoes, apricots, olives and freekeh to the pan and toss everything together. Return to the oven for a final 10-15 mins until the tomatoes start to burst and everything is piping hot. Season to taste.
• Combine the yogurt and most of the dill and season with salt. Serve the freekeh with any extra dill fronds scattered over and a dollop of the herby yogurt.

HOW TO COOK FREEKEH

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add freekeh and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until freekeh is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Use immediately or spread on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.

FREEKEH WITH CHICKEN, ALMONDS AND YOGURT

Steps:

• Pick over freekeh and rinse in cold water until water looks clear. Soak grain in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
• Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add almonds and fry, stirring, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove almonds and set aside.
• Add butter to oil. When hot, add freekeh and stir to coat. Add allspice, cinnamon stick, pepper and salt.
• Add broth, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. (Whole-grain freekeh will take 40 to 45 minutes.) From time to time, give freekeh a stir and make sure it isn't sticking. All liquid should be absorbed, as it would in cooking rice, and freekeh should be tender. If not, add a little water and cook for a few minutes longer. Taste for salt and adjust. Turn off heat.
• Meanwhile, prepare the chicken: Season the meat on both sides generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cinnamon and allspice and rub over chicken.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fry chicken on both sides until nicely browned. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender. Turn off heat and keep warm.
• To serve, spoon freekeh onto a warm platter. Lay chicken on top and ladle remaining cooking liquid over. Top with reserved fried almonds. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Pass a bowl of yogurt.