Freekeh with Chicken and Nuts
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring smoked green wheat (freekeh) cooked with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a generous topping of toasted nuts. It's a comforting and celebratory meal often found on Palestinian tables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Freekeh(rinsed)
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (bone-in, skin-on recommended))
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 4 cups Chicken broth(or water)
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom(ground)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Almonds(slivered or whole, toasted)
- 1/4 cup Pine nuts(toasted)
- 1/4 cup Parsley(fresh, chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the rinsed freekeh, chicken broth, allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 60 minutes - 5
While the freekeh is cooking, toast the almonds and pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Once the freekeh is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
💡 Tip: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for better texture. - 7
Serve the freekeh and chicken hot, garnished generously with toasted nuts and fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
- ✓Rinsing the freekeh before cooking helps remove any dust or debris.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- ✓If the freekeh is still too firm and the liquid has evaporated, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add dried apricots or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
- Use lamb or beef instead of chicken.
- Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or peas.