Chicken Freekeh Pilaf
This spiced chicken freekeh recipe with peas and nuts is a family favorite. It's packed with flavor and warm, hearty spices.
Servings: 5
- 2¼ lbs bone-in chicken breasts and legs
- 1½ cups dry freekeh
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup raw nuts
Chicken Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole caraway
- 5-6 whole cardamom pods
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and add the chicken. Sear for about a minute on each side, then add the chicken spices, onion (cut in quarters), and at least 6 cups (about 1.5 liters) of hot water. Cover and boil for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, start on the freekeh. Melt 2 tablespoon of ghee in a medium-sized nonstick pot on medium heat, and add the washed freekeh along with the freekeh spices. Fry while stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes or until the freekeh gets an even color. Pour around 3 cups of the broth the chicken was cooking in on to the freekeh, or enough broth to cover it. Cover and let boil for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
Once the freekeh is cooked, take the pot off the stove, add in the frozen peas, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes. Fluff freekeh with a fork and transfer to your serving dish. Shred the chicken and add it on top.
Fry the nuts in another 2 tablespoon of ghee until they're golden brown (stirring continuously), then pour on top of the freekeh.
- Save any remaining broth for soups, curries, stews, rice, etc.
Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 530mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g