Freekeh Soup
This freekeh soup with chicken is the perfect way to refuel for Iftar! Packed with smoky, fiber-rich freekeh and tender chicken, it’s a hearty and nourishing bowl to keep you full and satisfied. Light yet comforting, this soup is great for Suhoor too! Make a batch and enjoy this wholesome Ramadan favorite.
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 545.8kcal
Equipment
- 1 deep heavy-bottomed stew pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stock
- 500 grams chicken bone-in pieces bone-in (2 thighs, 2 legs) with or without skin
- 2-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaf
- 2 green cardamom
- 2 cloves
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ medium onion chopped roughly
- salt to taste
- 4 cups water
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder or allspice powder
- 1 cup freekeh rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Stock:
- In a deep stew pot, combine all chicken stock ingredients.500 grams chicken bone-in pieces, 2-inch cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaf, 2 green cardamom, 2 cloves, ½ teaspoon black peppercorns, 2 garlic cloves, ½ medium onion, salt to taste
- Add enough water to cover chicken by around 3-4 centimeters.4 cups water
- Bring mixture to a boil, then lower the flame to medium-low and cover.
- Cook covered for roughly 30 minutes, until chicken is tender and water is reduced by about an inch.
- Remove chicken from the water, shred, and discard skin and bones.
- Strain the chicken stock into a measuring jar using a sieve. You should have around 3 to 4 cups of chicken stock. You can always add more water while cooking freekeh.
Prepare the Freekeh Soup:
- Using the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion
- Drain and add the freekeh, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance its flavor.1 cup freekeh
- Pour in the prepared chicken stock and stir in your choice of spices. Season with salt.1 teaspoon cumin powder, salt to taste
- Allow the soup to boil until the Freekeh is cooked, usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve the Freekeh Soup:
- Serve the hot soup with your favorite bread and olives. For an extra twist, add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Notes
There is no hard and fast rule in making the chicken stock. You can make a veg version by omitting the Chicken and using lots of veggies or veg stock.
Nutrition
Calories: 545.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 45.23g | Protein: 29.26g | Fat: 28.12g
