If you're looking for a new and delicious way to incorporate whole grains into your diet, look no further than this freekeh Lebanese recipe. Freekeh, a type of roasted green wheat, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and unique nutty flavor. Originating from the Levantine region, this ancient grain has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries and is now gaining recognition in Western cultures as well.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Small
This delicious and hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The combination of tender chicken, crispy asparagus, and gooey cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
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Autumn Glow Salad with Lemon Dressing
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Cauliflower, Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Thyme
This vibrant and flavorful salad is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries creates a delicious and colorful dish that is packed with nutrients. The tangy lemon dressing adds a refreshing touch to this hearty salad. Serve as a side dish or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Warm Freekeh Salad
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Freekeh, Pomegranate Seeds, Large
This warm and comforting salad is perfect for those chilly days. The nutty flavor of freekeh pairs well with the roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and chickpeas. Topped with a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Feel free to add some grilled chicken or tofu for some extra protein.
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Freekeh Soup
Main Ingredients: Green Wheat, Olive Oil, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Water
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for those cold winter nights. The combination of freekeh, chicken, and vegetables creates a delicious and filling meal. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl
Main Ingredients: Coconut Aminos, Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Tempeh
This colorful and flavorful bowl is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of freekeh, tempeh, vegetables, and peanut sauce creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Add some avocado or crispy tofu for some extra texture and flavor.
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Freekeh Pilaf
Main Ingredients: White Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Freekeh, Canela, Ground
This simple and flavorful pilaf is the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of freekeh, vegetables, and spices creates a delicious and nutritious dish that pairs well with any protein. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
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Barbecue Beer Meatball Sliders
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Freekeh, Worcestershire Sauce
These tasty sliders are perfect for game day or any casual gathering. The combination of ground beef, beer, and barbecue sauce creates juicy and flavorful meatballs that are perfect for topping on mini buns. Serve with some crispy fries and coleslaw for a delicious and easy meal.
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5-Ingredient Arabic Cauliflower Freekeh
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Freekeh, Vegetable Broth, Slivered
This simple and flavorful dish is packed with Middle Eastern flavors. The combination of cauliflower, freekeh, and spices creates a delicious and nutritious meal that can be on the table in no time. Serve with some pita bread and hummus for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Baked Chipotle Salmon Bowls
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Coriander, Lime, Salmon Fillets, Chipotle
These bowls are a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of chipotle salmon, roasted vegetables, and freekeh creates a flavorful and filling meal. Top it off with a creamy avocado sauce for an extra kick of flavor. These bowls are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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Vegan Slow-cooker Cholent With Legumes, Freekeh And...
Main Ingredients: Beans, Barley, Freekeh, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Oil
This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for chilly days. The combination of legumes, freekeh, and vegetables creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be made in a slow cooker. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Freekeh Salad
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Vegetable Stock, Red Onion, Radishes, Lambs
This simple and nutritious salad is perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The combination of freekeh, grilled vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and colorful dish. Feel free to add some chicken or tofu for some extra protein. Toss with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and tangy flavor.
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Green Freekeh Salad
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Sea Salt, Leaf Parsley, Chopped Fresh Mint
This vibrant and flavorful salad is packed with green goodness. The combination of freekeh, edamame, avocado, and spinach creates a nutritious and satisfying meal. Topped with a creamy herb dressing, this salad is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Add some grilled shrimp or tofu for some extra protein.
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Lentil and Freekeh Salad
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Freekeh, Sliced Black Olives, Cherry Tomatoes
This hearty and flavorful salad is a great way to use up any leftover grains and legumes. The combination of lentils, freekeh, and vegetables creates a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. The tangy dressing adds a refreshing touch to this hearty salad.
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Easy Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Onions, Ground Thyme
This flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of sausage, shrimp, and okra creates a delicious and hearty gumbo that is packed with flavor. Serve over a bed of freekeh for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Don't forget to add some hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Baby Spinach, Carrots, Red Pepper, Sliced
This simple and nutritious salad is packed with flavor. The combination of freekeh, spinach, cranberries, and almonds creates a delicious and colorful dish. Topped with a lemon honey vinaigrette, this salad is a great option for a light lunch or side dish. Add some grilled chicken or tofu for some extra protein.
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Spicy Lentil Nachos with Three Cheese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Freekeh, Enchilada Sauce, Broth, Salt, Chips
These nachos are a delicious and unique twist on the classic recipe. The combination of spicy lentils, cheese sauce, and fresh toppings creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Serve with some guacamole and salsa for a complete and delicious meal.
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Mediterranean Salad Grain Salad With Gorgonzola
Main Ingredients: Fresh Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey, Salt
This flavorful and hearty salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors. The combination of freekeh, quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables creates a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The creamy gorgonzola dressing adds a tangy and savory touch to this flavorful salad.
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Shakshuka
Main Ingredients: Marinara Sauce, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, Red Pepper
This Middle Eastern dish is a delicious and savory option for breakfast or brunch. The combination of tomatoes, eggs, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the day. Serve with some crusty bread for dipping and some herb salad for a refreshing touch.
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Artichoke Freekeh Risotto
Main Ingredients: Freekeh, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Onion, Diced Bacon
This creamy and flavorful risotto is a delicious and unique way to use freekeh. The combination of artichokes, freekeh, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or date night. Serve with a glass of wine and some garlic bread for a complete and delicious meal.
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Roasted Vegetable Freekeh Salad + Lemon Mint...
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Freekeh, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Eggplant
This colorful and flavorful salad is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer. The combination of roasted vegetables, freekeh, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and nutritious dish. Topped with a lemon mint dressing, this salad is a great option for a light lunch or side dish. Add some grilled chicken or tofu for some extra protein.
What is Freekeh?
Freekeh, also known as "farik" in Arabic, is a type of wheat that is harvested when it is still young and green. The wheat is then roasted over an open flame, giving it a smoky and nutty flavor. After the roasting process, the wheat is sun-dried and then threshed to remove the outer husks, revealing the tender, chewy grains inside. Freekeh can be found in different forms, including whole, cracked, or ground, and has a similar appearance to bulgur or quinoa.
Health Benefits of Freekeh
Freekeh is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It is rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet. The roasting process also gives freekeh a low glycemic index, making it a great option for those with diabetes or looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, freekeh is a good source of antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Lebanese Freekeh Recipe
Now that you know the benefits of freekeh, it's time to try out a delicious Lebanese recipe using this ancient grain. One popular dish is "Freekeh bil Khodra," which translates to "freekeh with vegetables." This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be easily customized to your taste preferences.
Main Ingredients:
1 cup whole freekeh
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add in the mixed vegetables and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the freekeh and stir for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the freekeh is tender.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Lebanese freekeh dish!
In conclusion, freekeh is a versatile and nutritious grain that can elevate any dish with its unique flavor and health benefits. This Lebanese recipe is just one of many ways to enjoy this ancient grain and is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give freekeh a try!
