FREEKEH WITH CHICKEN, ALMONDS AND YOGURT

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Freekeh With Chicken, Almonds and Yogurt image

Freekeh is unbelievably delicious. Just a bowl of it with a dab of yogurt would suffice, but for the full effect it should be topped with a savory stew of chicken or lamb. Freekeh is made from wheat that is harvested when the berries are still green and then burned to remove the chaff. It is often described as roasted, but when I say smoky, it really is. Use cracked freekeh as the whole-grain version takes longer to cook.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     poultry, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups cracked freekeh
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup blanched almonds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 (1-inch) stick of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups unsalted chicken broth or water
6 large chicken thighs, whole legs or a cut-up bird, about 3 pounds
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups unsalted chicken broth or water
A few sprigs flat leaf parsley
2 cups plain yogurt, for serving

Steps:

  • Pick over freekeh and rinse in cold water until water looks clear. Soak grain in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
  • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add almonds and fry, stirring, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove almonds and set aside.
  • Add butter to oil. When hot, add freekeh and stir to coat. Add allspice, cinnamon stick, pepper and salt.
  • Add broth, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. (Whole-grain freekeh will take 40 to 45 minutes.) From time to time, give freekeh a stir and make sure it isn't sticking. All liquid should be absorbed, as it would in cooking rice, and freekeh should be tender. If not, add a little water and cook for a few minutes longer. Taste for salt and adjust. Turn off heat.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the chicken: Season the meat on both sides generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cinnamon and allspice and rub over chicken.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fry chicken on both sides until nicely browned. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender. Turn off heat and keep warm.
  • To serve, spoon freekeh onto a warm platter. Lay chicken on top and ladle remaining cooking liquid over. Top with reserved fried almonds. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Pass a bowl of yogurt.

Andrielly Marianne
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I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who is looking for a delicious and healthy meal.


David Lines
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I had some grilled chicken that I needed to use up, and this recipe was the perfect solution.


irfan bloch82
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I'm not a fan of freekeh, but I loved this recipe! The chicken was tender and juicy, and the almonds added a nice crunch. The yogurt sauce was the perfect finishing touch.


Hunter Long
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This recipe is a great starting point, but it needs a few tweaks to make it perfect. I would add more spices to the chicken and freekeh, and I would use a thinner yogurt sauce.


Shahadot Khan
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Overall, I was disappointed with this recipe. I would not recommend it to anyone.


Talia Ateh
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The yogurt sauce was too thick for my taste. I would add more milk or water to thin it out.


Ethan Adkins
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The chicken was a bit dry. I would recommend cooking it for a shorter amount of time.


Firework Combo
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I had a hard time finding freekeh at my local grocery store. I ended up using brown rice instead.


Sharon Nanjala
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This dish is a bit bland for my taste. I would add more spices to the chicken and freekeh.


Oduwole Temitayo
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I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who is looking for a delicious and healthy meal.


Gaki Dorcus
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This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat healthy. My kids loved the chicken and freekeh, and they even liked the yogurt sauce.


Jynx Corner
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I'm not a fan of yogurt, but I loved the yogurt sauce in this recipe. It's creamy and tangy, and it pairs perfectly with the chicken and freekeh.


Faixah Muhammed shikkau
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This dish is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's definitely worth it. The flavors are amazing and the presentation is beautiful.


Yvonne Esquivel
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I'm not a big fan of freekeh, but this recipe changed my mind. The freekeh is cooked perfectly and has a great flavor.


MD Torikul Islam
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I had some grilled chicken that I needed to use up, and this recipe was the perfect solution.


Utibe Archibong
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I'm always looking for new ways to cook chicken, and this recipe definitely fits the bill. The chicken is moist and tender, and the freekeh is a great alternative to rice.


Rebecca Dudman
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to follow and the results are amazing. The chicken is cooked to perfection and the freekeh is fluffy and flavorful.


April Andrews
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I made this dish last night and it was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the combination of chicken, freekeh, and almonds. The yogurt sauce was a great addition as well.


Ines Ayad
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This freekeh dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures! The chicken is tender and juicy, the freekeh has a nutty flavor, and the almonds add a nice crunch. The yogurt sauce is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy and tangy flavor.