Shorbat Freekeh (Syrian Freekeh Soup)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Cracked freekeh, rinsed — 175 g (1 cup)
- Chicken broth — 1.4 L (6 cups)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Carrots, diced — 2
- Butter or ghee — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
- Ground cumin — 1 tsp
- Cinnamon — 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Lemon wedges to serve
Method
- Melt the butter in a soup pot and sauté the onion and carrots for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the freekeh and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cumin and cinnamon, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the freekeh is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.
Introduction: This smoky, warming soup is a Ramadan favourite in Syria, often the first thing served to break the fast because it is gentle on the stomach while deeply nourishing, built on chicken broth and cracked freekeh grain.
Cultural Background: This smoky, warming soup is a Ramadan favourite in Syria, often the first thing served to break the fast because it is gentle on the stomach while deeply nourishing, built on chicken broth and cracked freekeh grain.
Tips: Rinse freekeh thoroughly before cooking to remove any grit. Blend half the soup for a creamier texture if preferred.
Variations: Add shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; the soup thickens as it cools.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
FAQs:
Q: Is freekeh gluten-free?
A: No, freekeh is a wheat product and is not suitable for gluten-free diets.
Q: Why is this soup smoky?
A: Freekeh is roasted over an open flame during processing, giving it a natural smoky flavour.
- Cracked freekeh, rinsed — 175 g (1 cup)
- Chicken broth — 1.4 L (6 cups)
- Onion, finely chopped — 1
- Carrots, diced — 2
- Butter or ghee — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
- Ground cumin — 1 tsp
- Cinnamon — 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Lemon wedges to serve
Please log in to leave a comment.