Freekeh Salad Recipes

FREEKEH, CHICKPEA AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add freekeh. Toast in the dry pan, shaking pan or stirring, until freekeh becomes fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until water has been absorbed. Turn off heat and uncover. Place a clean dish towel over the pot and return lid. Let sit at least 10 minutes. Uncover and allow freekeh to cool another 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine freekeh, chopped herbs, celery, scallions and chickpeas and toss together. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt and olive oil; toss with salad. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. Serve right away or let sit for up to 1 hour before serving.

HOW TO COOK FREEKEH

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add freekeh and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until freekeh is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Use immediately or spread on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.

FREEKEH SALAD

Steps:

• To a small saucepan set over high heat, add the water, freekeh, bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of the salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the freekeh is tender and has absorbed all of the water, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the freekeh to a rimmed baking sheet and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, the vinegar, sumac and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir in the shallot and set aside to macerate.
• Fill a large saucepan with water, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower, return to a boil, and cook until the cauliflower is al dente, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the cauliflower into a colander, then transfer to a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• To the shallot mixture, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil while whisking constantly, until the vinaigrette is creamy and blended.
• Add the cucumbers to a large bowl along with the freekeh, cauliflower, dill and the vinaigrette. Toss to combine, taste, and serve with more salt if needed.
• OPTIONS: If you'd like to add more texture, skip the blanching and roast the cauliflower on high heat for a few minutes, until it browns. Scheiblauer suggests replacing the cucumber with diced melon or tomato later in the summer.
• Feel free to get a little freekeh!

FREEKEH SALAD WITH TAHINI DRESSING

Steps:

• Stir freekeh in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cover pan and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer freekeh to a bowl to cool.
• Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, tahini, and honey together in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add pomegranate seeds, onion, mint, and parsley to the bowl with the cooked freekeh. Drizzle in the dressing and toss to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Top with pistachios right before serving so they don't soften.