Freekeh bi Djaj (Smoky Green Wheat Pilaf with Chicken)
Local name: فريكة بالدجاج
In short: Cracked roasted green wheat simmered in chicken broth with caramelized onion and warm spices, topped with browned chicken and toasted almonds. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 590 kcal
Freekeh is green wheat that is harvested young and roasted, which gives it a smoky, nutty flavor and a pleasant chew. In Palestine it is cooked like a pilaf in a rich chicken broth with onions, allspice and cinnamon, and topped with browned chicken and almonds. It is a dish for family gatherings and cooler months, and it is more filling than rice.
Instructions
- Put the chicken in a pot with the halved onion, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, salt and water. Bring to a boil, skim, then simmer for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and reaches 74°C (165°F). Lift it out and strain the broth.
- Soak the rinsed freekeh in cold water for 15 minutes, then drain well.
- Heat the oil in a wide heavy pot and cook the chopped onion for 10 minutes until golden. Stir in the allspice, cinnamon and pepper.
- Add the freekeh and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in 1.1 liters (4 1/2 cups) of the hot broth and the salt. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes, until the freekeh is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash more hot broth if it dries too early. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Brown the chicken pieces under a hot grill for 5 minutes. Spoon the freekeh onto a platter, set the chicken on top and scatter with almonds and parsley.
Tips
- Look for cracked freekeh, which cooks in about 25 minutes. Whole freekeh grains need to simmer for 45 minutes or more and take more liquid.
- Freekeh is a wheat product and not gluten-free. Rice can replace it with a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to broth and 15 minutes of cooking.
Questions and answers
What is freekeh?
Young green wheat that is roasted and rubbed, giving it a smoky taste. It is sold whole or cracked in Middle Eastern shops and many supermarkets.
Can I make freekeh ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well with a splash of broth and keeps for 4 days in the fridge.
Is freekeh healthy?
It has more fiber and protein than white rice. It is still a wheat product, so it suits most people except those avoiding gluten.
How long does it take to make Freekeh bi Djaj (Smoky Green Wheat Pilaf with Chicken)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Freekeh bi Djaj (Smoky Green Wheat Pilaf with Chicken)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
