Autumn Harvest Bowl- With Freekeh!

If you checked out my last blog, I wrote about the Palestinian Harvest Box and how community supported agriculture can have many positive effects on the environment worldwide. In this blog I am going to focus on freekeh, one of the items from the farmer’s box many people are not aware of.  Freekeh is a staple in the Palestinian diet for good reason.

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Chock full of fiber, iron, and even protein, freekeh is a green wheat that is harvested young. This supergrain has more protein and twice as much fiber as quinoa! The grain is then roasted and rubbed to create a nutty and smoky flavor. While people might be intimated about cooking freekeh, the cooking method is incredibly easy. All you have to do is boil the freekeh in a broth, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes just as you would for rice.  The recipe below makes use of four items from the farmer’s box: za’atar, freekeh, almonds, and dates. This freekeh pilaf is all at once sweet, savory, nutty and crunchy, using the beautiful flavors of fall  in one middle eastern bowl of goodness.  I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below! 

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For the video tutorial on how to make it, click on the video below:

 

  • Autumn Freekeh Pilaf (Directions in Video Above)
  • Ingredients (serves 4)
  • 1 cup FREEKEH
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • ½ an onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ small butternut squash, chopped into small cubes
  • ¼ finely chopped herbs like mint, basil, or a combination of both
  • ½ cup chopped or sliced almonds (salted and roasted)
  • 3 dates, chopped into small cubes
  • ⅓ c halloumi cheese, chopped into small cubes
  • Dressing
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp za’atar
  • 1 tbsp honey

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4 thoughts on “Autumn Harvest Bowl- With Freekeh!

  1. I just tried this recipe and it is delicious! I love the flavors that went together and are new to me: dates, squash, and nuts are just wonderful!

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