Chicken with Freekeh – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Chicken with Freekeh – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Chicken with freekeh is one of the most popular and delicious Egyptian dishes, also enjoyed in some other Arab countries. It is a nutritious meal rich in vitamins and proteins, aiding digestion and helping with weight management.

From Arabicook.com, here are the ingredients and method to prepare Egyptian-style chicken with freekeh.

Ingredients for Chicken with Freekeh

• 1 whole medium-sized chicken
• ½ kilogram of freekeh
• ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon and cumin
• ¼ teaspoon of dried coriander
• 1 tablespoon of ghee
• 2 medium-sized onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes
• Tomato paste (optional, as desired)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Prepare Chicken with Freekeh

1. Wash the chicken thoroughly, clean any excess fat, and let it drain.

2. Finely chop one onion and place it in a bowl. Chop the other onion and place it in another bowl, and mince the garlic cloves.

3. Dice one of the tomatoes into small cubes and grate the other. Set them aside.

4. In a pot over medium heat, melt the ghee and add the chopped onion. Stir well, adding a pinch of salt, and cook until the onion softens.

5. Add the freekeh to the onions, stirring until well combined. Let the freekeh toast with the onions.

6. Add the minced garlic and stir it into the freekeh mixture. Then, add salt, black pepper, dried coriander, cumin, and cinnamon, mixing everything thoroughly.

7. Add the diced tomatoes and a cup of tomato paste (if using) to the mixture. Stir everything together, then add water and allow the freekeh to cook until tender.

8. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

9. In a large bowl, mix the grated onion with the grated tomato, seasoning with salt, cinnamon, and black pepper.

10. Rub the chicken with the tomato mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for about two hours.

11. Once the freekeh is fully cooked, stuff the chicken with the freekeh mixture, ensuring all sides are filled. Seal the bottom of the chicken by stitching it with a sturdy thread to keep the stuffing inside.

12. Place the stuffed chicken in the oven and roast until fully cooked and golden brown.

13. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. Serve the freekeh on a platter, placing the roasted chicken in the center, and garnish with nuts.

You can serve this dish with a side of yogurt salad or green salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious chicken with freekeh!