Freekeh with Chicken – Recipe and Preparation Method

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Freekeh with Chicken – Recipe and Preparation Method

Freekeh with chicken is a wholesome grain-based dish, known for its rich flavor and many health benefits. It is widely popular in the Levant, Iraq, and Egypt.

The dish has different names depending on the region: it is called freekeh in the Levant, qara kharman in northern Iraq, and freek in Egypt.

Freekeh is produced from wheat harvested while still green, before the stalks turn yellow. The green wheat stalks are roasted carefully to avoid burning, then collected, spread out in the open air to dry, and finally threshed to release the grains. These grains are then cracked into smaller pieces, similar to bulgur.

Freekeh is highly nutritious. A 280-gram serving contains about 659 calories, 36 grams of fat, 16 grams of saturated fat, 135 milligrams of cholesterol, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and 41 grams of protein.

Ingredients for Freekeh with Chicken (Serves 5)

Freekeh with Chicken

 

  • 1 kilogram freekeh

  • 1 kilogram chicken

  • 2 large onions

  • 2 tablespoons ghee

  • Mixed nuts (for garnish)

  • 3 bay leaves

  • 5 cardamom pods

  • A pinch of salt

  • A pinch of black pepper

  • ¼ cup olive oil

Method of Preparation

  1. Begin by boiling the chicken. Place it in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Skim off the foam, then add the cardamom pods and bay leaves to remove any strong odor.

  2. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot but keep the broth. Place the chicken on a baking tray and roast it in the oven until golden brown.

  3. Wash the freekeh thoroughly and pick out any impurities. Fry the mixed nuts in a small pan with a little oil until golden, then set aside.

  4. In a large pot, heat the oil used for frying the nuts, add the onions, ghee, and salt, and cook over low heat until the onions soften. Add the freekeh and sauté for about 10 minutes.

  5. Add 4 cups of the chicken broth, season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover and cook over low heat. Keep an eye on the pot—if the liquid reduces too much, add more chicken broth until the freekeh is fully cooked.

  6. To serve, place the cooked freekeh in a large dish, arrange the roasted chicken on top, and garnish with the fried nuts.

This hearty dish makes a perfect meal to share with family and guests, offering both nutrition and an unforgettable taste.

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