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4.3 from 12 votes

How to Cook Freekeh (Freekeh 101)

An easy tutorial for how to cook freekeh perfectly every time, and the answers to all your questions about freekeh: What is it? What does it taste like? Is it gluten-free? And much more! You can use this super grain as a substitute for rice or pasta, and instead of other grains as well! It tastes somewhat like bulgur wheat and barley, just with some smokiness in the mix as well.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 867 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Middle Eastern , Egyptian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freekeh grains
  • 2 ½ cups water or broth
  • kosher salt
  • Parsley for Garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Look through and pick over the freekeh to remove any debris or unwanted small stones. Rinse well a few times.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed freekeh with the water or broth in a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, and season lightly with kosher salt.
  4. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender and slightly chewy, anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. (ours will take around 35 minutes because it is wholegrain freekeh)
  5. Drain any remaining water and fluff the freekeh with a fork.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl and add chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

  • Uncooked wholegrain freekeh should be stored in an airtight container away from light, moisture, or heat (like in an unheated pantry). It can last several years if stored correctly! Cracked freekeh has a shorter shelf-life, and will last for just a few months in your pantry. Store it in the fridge or freezer if you want to keep it for longer than that. Once cooked, s
  • tore freekeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But it can be frozen for up to 3 months so it’s a good idea to cook large batches and freeze them to use later!
  • Is freekeh gluten free? No, it is not, and it should be avoided by those who do not eat gluten. 
  • Where to buy freekeh? Find my favorite wholegrain freekeh here via our online shop.
  • Yield: 1 cup of uncooked freekeh grains yields approx. 3 cups cooked grains.
  • How to serve it: To bulk up soups and stews, as a substitute for other grains and pasta in things like tabouli and salads, and as a bed for saucy dishes like shrimp fra diavolo or wine-braised chicken thighs. 
  • Storage: Uncooked wholegrain freekeh should be stored in an airtight container away from light, moisture, or heat (like in an unheated pantry). It can last several years if stored correctly! Cracked freekeh has a shorter shelf-life, and will last for just a few months in your pantry. Store it in the fridge or freezer if you want to keep it for longer than that. Once cooked, store freekeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But it can be frozen for up to 3 months so it’s a good idea to cook large batches and freeze them to use later!
  • Visit our shop to browse our all-natural and organic spices, olive oils, grains (like wholegrain freekeh) and much more!

Nutrition Information

Calories 86.7kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 17.3g (6%) Protein 5.3g (11%) Fat 0.7g (1%) Sodium 4.9mg (0%) Fiber 2.7g (11%) Sugar 0.7g (1%) Calcium 16.3mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 867

% Daily Value*

Calories 86.7kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 17.3g 6%
Protein 5.3g 11%
Fat 0.7g 1%
Sodium 4.9mg 0%
Fiber 2.7g 11%
Sugar 0.7g 1%
Calcium 16.3mg 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.