Easy Freekeh Recipes That Make Eating More Whole Grains a Cinch

By the editors of Shape
January 24, 2020
ICYMI, whole grains help you live longer. Up your intake and shake up your healthy-carb game: Freekeh recipes, made with one of the most unique and hearty ancient grains, are loaded with protein and fiber. Even better: It's easy to cook with. Consider these 13 freekeh recipes tasty and totally boredom-free.
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Almond and Parsley Pesto with Asparagus and Freekeh

Credit: What's Gaby Cooking
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Crunchy, zesty, and satisfying, you'll want to move this freekeh recipe to the front of your "must-make weekly" list. Cook the freekeh in your stock of choice (chicken or vegetable both work wonderfully), then toss with fresh vegetables and an herb-loaded DIY pesto sauce.

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Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash Freekeh Salad with Kale

Credit: Well Plated
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Butternut squash, kale and cranberries: These are a few of our favorite things. Toss them all into this freekeh recipe and you've got one nutrient-packed, delicious dinner that the whole family will be happy with. (If you have some bonus butternut lying around, try it in this creative Chicken Tikka Masala with Butternut Squash Fettuccine.)

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Freekeh with Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Dried Cranberries, Honey, and Pomegranate

Credit: Food Wanderings
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Fruit for dinner? Yes, please. A bit sweeter than your typical after-work meal, this freekeh recipe offers well-balanced nutrition and flavors. Clean eating at its finest.

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Artichoke Freekeh Risotto

Credit: David Lebovitz
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Artichokes are bursting with antioxidants and have been shown to help lower bad cholesterol. So go ahead, grab seconds of this fiber-rich twist on the creamy classic Italian dish.

5 of 13

Freekeh with Tahini, Chickpeas, and Pomegranate

Credit: The Lemon Bowl
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Pomegranates are antioxidant powerhouses that lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The sweet-tart flavor next to the nutty tahini in this freekeh recipe will have you wondering why you've ever settled for a handful of nuts as "dinner." (Related: How to Cut and Eat a Pomegranate)

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Cranberry Apple Freekeh Stuffing

Credit: SUZY KARADSHEH + THE MEDITERRANEAN DISH
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Who says stuffing is only for Thanksgiving? This fall-flavored freekeh recipe will inspire you to make the dish all autumn long.

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One-Pot Vegan Mexican Freekeh

Credit: Little Leopard Book
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Consider this freekeh recipe proof that there's more to Mexican meals than quesadillas and tacos. Feel free to add cheese if you aren't vegan.

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Freekeh with Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Credit: Stetted
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This protein-packed entree (a brilliant use for leftover meat from last night's dinner) may soon become your post-workout go-to. Sorry, plain grilled salmon.

9 of 13

Freekeh, Zucchini, and Pistachio Salad

Credit: Oh My Veggies
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Pistachios add a pleasant and satisfying crunchy element to this super simple dinner. (Seriously, there are only two steps required to complete the entire freekeh recipe: Boil the grain, then toss with the dressing and mix-ins.)

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Lebanese Freekeh and Fig Salad

Credit: Food to Glow
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Figs are rich in potassium, which is essential for muscle growth and function. That fresh fruit, alongside dried cherries, offer a sweet complement to the nutty whole grains in this freekeh recipe.

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Kale and Freekeh Soup

Credit: Scandi Foodie
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Ancient grains don't always need to be your meal's base. You can toss freekeh into soup for some variety—we love this freekeh recipe because it also features vitamin-rich kale.

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Vegan Curried Freekeh Salad

Credit: Vegan Miam
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If you often crave Indian food when it comes time to order takeout, this is the freekeh recipe for you. The grain of the day, sweet potatoes, and more go on a flavor trip to India via curry powder and fresh cilantro.

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Roasted Vegetable Bowl with Pickled Carrots and Freekeh

Credit: SARAH'S CUCINA BELLA
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Make this vegetarian freekeh recipe for dinner tonight and bowl up the leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. If you're lucky enough to a serving remaining, that is. (Related: 5 Meal-Prep Hacks for Better-Brown Bag Lunches)

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