Freekeh

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Description

What is Freekeh? (And How Do You Cook It?)Freekeh is an ancient Middle Eastern and North African grain made from young green durum wheat that is roasted, rubbed, and polished. This process gives it a smoky, nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, similar to bulgur wheat. It is available as whole or cracked grains and is used in a wide variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and stews. How it's made Harvesting: The wheat is harvested while the grains are still young, green, and soft. Roasting: The harvested wheat is piled and set on fire, which burns off the straw and chaff while the high moisture content in the green seeds prevents them from burning. Rubbing: The roasted wheat is then rubbed to remove the remaining hulls and char. The name "freekeh" comes from the Arabic word farik, meaning "rubbed". Cracking: The grains can be sold whole or cracked into smaller pieces. Nutritional benefits Freekeh is a good source of protein, fiber, and prebiotics. It contains several minerals, including manganese, zinc, and magnesium. It has a low glycemic index (GI). How to use it Cooking: Whole grains take about 45 minutes to cook, while cracked grains cook in about 20 minutes. They can be boiled in water or broth, similar to how you would cook rice. Serving: Use it as a base for salads, pilafs, or stuffings. It also works well as a hearty side dish or a way to thicken soups and stews.

Type

Grain