Delicious Middle Eastern Chicken Freekeh Soup Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful soup that's both healthy and exotic? Look no further than this delicious Chicken Freekeh Soup! This vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired recipe combines tender chicken with the nutty, smoky flavor of freekeh, a nutritious ancient grain. Bursting with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin, and infused with the bright freshness of lemon and herbs, this soup is a true culinary delight. It's the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch, offering a balanced and satisfying experience.

This recipe effortlessly blends familiar ingredients with unique flavors to create a truly unforgettable culinary journey. Ready to experience the magic of this wholesome and flavorful soup? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below to create your own bowl of delicious Chicken Freekeh Soup!

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Sliced chicken breast
  • Freekeh: 1 cup
  • Potato: 1 large, cubed
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Samne (ghee): a couple of tablespoons
  • Onion: 1 large, sliced
  • Chicken broth cube: 1
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon
  • Flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients

  • Clean the freekeh thoroughly, removing any small stones. Rinse several times. Add a dash of salt and soak in boiling water until ready to use.
  • Clean the chicken with vinegar, lemon, salt, and flour. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Clean the freekeh thoroughly, removing any small stones. Rinse several times. Add a dash of salt and soak in boiling water until ready to use.Clean the chicken with vinegar, lemon, salt, and flour. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Prepare Ingredients

Step 2. Sauté Chicken and Vegetables

  • Heat the samne (ghee) in a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned, ensuring not to overcook it.
  • Add the sliced onions to the chicken and sauté until slightly translucent.
  • Add the cubed potatoes and sauté briefly to blend flavors.
  • Add the peas and carrots (fresh or frozen, washed and drained). Sauté until everything is well combined.
Heat the samne (ghee) in a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned, ensuring not to overcook it.Add the sliced onions to the chicken and sauté until slightly translucent.Add the cubed potatoes and sauté briefly to blend flavors.Add the peas and carrots (fresh or frozen, washed and drained). Sauté until everything is well combined.
Sauté Chicken and Vegetables

Step 3. Combine and Season

  • Add the chicken broth cube, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Drain the soaked freekeh and add it to the pot.
Add the chicken broth cube, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.Drain the soaked freekeh and add it to the pot.
Combine and Season

Step 4. Simmer and Serve

  • Add enough boiling water to almost cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the freekeh is tender.
Add enough boiling water to almost cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the freekeh is tender.
Simmer and Serve

Read more: Delicious Chicken Maqluba Rice Recipe (Sinhala)

Tips

  • Cleaning the freekeh is crucial to remove any small stones.
  • Don't over-brown the chicken during sautéing, as it will continue cooking in the soup.
  • Using boneless, skinless chicken breast makes for easier cooking and a cleaner soup, though chicken legs or a whole chicken can also be used.
  • The freekeh will expand during cooking, doubling in size.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 450-550
  • Fat: 15-25g
  • Carbs: 50-60g
  • Protein: 30-40g

FAQs

1. Can I substitute freekeh with another grain?

Yes! Brown rice, quinoa, or even barley can work as substitutes, though the flavor profile will slightly change. Brown rice is a good choice for a similar texture.

2. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the soup while it simmers. You can also increase the amount of cumin or add a dash of harissa paste for extra heat.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


This Chicken Freekeh Soup is a testament to the simple elegance of Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a heartwarming and flavorful experience with minimal effort. From its aromatic spices to its satisfying texture, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness and the warmth this soup brings to your table!