Advertisement
An easy way to give an ancient grain a try
Time to get your freekeh on! Say what?! If you don’t know this ancient grain, it’s high time you do.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
A longtime staple of Middle Eastern cooking, freekeh is a form of wheat that’s harvested while young and cooked over an open fire. The grain has a nutty, earthy flavor and is loaded with protein and fiber, which makes for a nutritious and completely delicious tabbouleh.
Along with freekeh, this dish contains cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, mint, lemon juice and scallions, which makes for or a crunchy summer salad that explodes with flavor and is deeply nourishing. Bring it to a gathering or make it for your family … and then get ready to make it again soon!
1/2 cup cracked freekeh
1 cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 scallions, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the freekeh, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the water is absorbed and the freekeh is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes more. Then fluff with a fork and let cool.
Advertisement
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, mint, scallions, lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper and the cooked freekeh. Toss well and serve.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving
Calories: 187
Total fat: 5 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrate: 31 g
Dietary fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 2 g sugar
Added sugar: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 83 mg
Source: Developed by Sara Quessenberry for Cleveland Clinic Wellness
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
A satisfying veggie option with a kick
There are better breakfast options, but if it’s got to be cereal, look for whole grains, high fiber and no added sugar
If the flakes are undisturbed, pristine white and come from the top layer, it’s typically safe to indulge in a scoop
Snacking can bring benefits with healthy food choices and planning
It has nutrients your body needs, but it also comes with some serious health risks
No more scrambling to figure out what to eat during your busy week
Set yourself up for success by carefully choosing your recipes, storage containers and prepping day
A colorful side dish to brighten any meal
Estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the month — and throughout your life — can make you more prone to dental health concerns
Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need