Get Your Freekeh On!

A delicious, warming and smokey flavoured salad for winter.

Freekeh is a nutritious grain made from roasted green wheat. Originating from the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, freekeh has been a staple food for centuries. Its smoky flavour and chewy texture (similar to pearl barley) make it a versatile ingredient in dishes like salads, soups, and pilafs, offering a unique and flavourful alternative to traditional grains like quinoa and couscous.

Warm Freekeh Salad 

Ingredients:

200g freekeh

500ml vegetable stock

1 red pepper, diced

1 courgette, diced

1 red onion, finely sliced

50g pine nuts

2 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

pack of feta cheese (optional if making vegan)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

Rinse the freekeh under cold water, then place it in a saucepan with the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the freekeh is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

While the freekeh is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced pepper, courgette, and sliced red onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelised.

In a separate small pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can easily burn.

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a dressing.

Once the freekeh is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, toasted pine nuts and feta (if using) to the bowl.

Drizzle the dressing over the freekeh and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the warm freekeh salad to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

This warm freekeh salad with pine nuts and vegetables is a delightful combination of nutty freekeh, roasted vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a nourishing and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a flavourful side.

Top tip:

You can enjoy freekeh with almost anything! Try including fish, or cubes of fried halloumi, or nectarine segments, alternatively garnish with mint or pomegranate seeds, you can even include chopped strawberries! Fruity and salty flavours go wonderfully with the smokiness!