Fluffy Freekeh Pilaf (Frikeh Mufalfaleh)

A quick and easy dish with minimal ingredients, but it’s important to follow the measurements for a delicious and successful result.

⏱ Cooking Time: 60 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 5 people

🧾 Ingredients:

• Freekeh (cracked green wheat): 3 cups

• Ghee (clarified butter): ¼ cup

• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped

• Salt: 1½ teaspoons

• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

• Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon

• Ground cardamom: ½ teaspoon

• Mixed spices (7-spice or allspice): ½ teaspoon

• Meat broth: 5 cups (or use chicken broth or water)

• Toasted nuts (almonds, pine nuts, cashews): to garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Rinse the freekeh thoroughly to remove dust, debris, and husks.

2. Soak the freekeh in warm water for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a large pot, melt the ghee over medium heat.

4. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until light golden in color.

5. Stir in the spices (salt, pepper, ginger, cardamom, and mixed spices).

6. Add the soaked and drained freekeh, stir continuously for at least 5 minutes to coat it well with the onion and spices.

7. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, and let it boil for 10 minutes.

8. Cover, reduce heat to medium for 5 minutes, then lower to low heat and simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, until the freekeh is fully cooked and fluffy.

9. Serve hot, garnished with toasted nuts on top.

✅ Tips:

• You can add boiled chicken or lamb pieces to turn it into a full meal.

• Great to serve with yogurt, salad, or pickles.

• Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.