Freekeh Pilaf
Smoky freekeh with caramelised onion and toasted almonds.
Ingredients
- 300 g Freekeh
- 2 Onion
- ½ tsp Allspice
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 700 ml Vegetable stock
- 4 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 50 g Almonds (optional)
Method
- Slice the onions thinly.
- Caramelise the onions in the olive oil until deep brown, reserving some for garnish.
- While the onions caramelise, rinse the freekeh in a sieve until the water runs clear, then drain.
- Toast the freekeh with the allspice and cinnamon in the pot until fragrant, then add the stock and salt.
- Cover and simmer until the freekeh is tender and the stock is absorbed.
- Top with the toasted almonds and reserved onions.
Tap “Start cooking” for live timers that flag what to get ahead on while something simmers.
About Freekeh Pilaf
Freekeh pilaf showcases freekeh, young green wheat that is harvested early and roasted over open flame, a process that gives the grain its signature smoky, slightly grassy flavor. The technique is old and Levantine, and freekeh has long been a staple across the Middle East where its firm, chewy bite makes it a favorite for pilafs. Warm spices, allspice and a cinnamon stick, plus deeply caramelized onions ground the dish in that regional register.
Toasting the rinsed grain with the spices before adding stock deepens both the smoke and the aroma, so the finished pilaf tastes layered rather than plain. The texture is pleasantly chewy and the flavor savory-sweet from the long-cooked onions, with toasted almonds scattered on top for crunch and richness. High in fiber and satisfying on its own, it works as a vegan main or as a substantial side to grilled meat or fish, and it holds well, making it a good candidate for cooking ahead.
Freekeh Pilaf: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Freekeh Pilaf?
A serving has about 410 calories — 11.4g protein, 61.1g carbs, 15.9g fat, 1.5g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Freekeh Pilaf gluten-free?
As written, no — it contains Freekeh. You'd need a certified gluten-free swap for that ingredient to make it gluten-free.
How long does Freekeh Pilaf take to make?
About 40 minutes start to finish, but only around 26 of those are hands-on — the rest is largely unattended cooking time you can step away from. In the Homecooked app the timers and parallel steps are sequenced for you so the hands-on part feels even shorter.
Do I need every ingredient to make Freekeh Pilaf?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out almonds — they're optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Freekeh Pilaf make?
This recipe makes 4 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.