Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly healthy soup perfect for chilly autumn evenings? Look no further than this vibrant and flavorful freekeh soup! Freekeh, a roasted green wheat, brings a unique nutty flavor and hearty texture to this satisfying dish, packed with nutritious vegetables and warming spices. Forget bland, boring soups – this recipe delivers a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a delicious way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet.
This freekeh soup recipe is brimming with goodness, from the earthy freekeh to the sweetness of carrots and the heartiness of lentils. It's a complete meal in a bowl, offering protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Ready to experience the magic of this delicious and healthy soup? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Heavy pot
- Cheesecloth
- Fine mesh colander or sieve
Ingredients
- Neck bones: 1 pound
- Lean beef: 2 pounds
- Freekeh: 1 pound
- Carrots
- Onions
- Celery
- Bay leaves: a couple
- Thyme: a couple of sprigs
- Parsley: a couple of sprigs
- Garlic: one or two cloves
- Vegetable oil or olive oil blend
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water: about 2 quarts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Building the Flavor Base
- Salt and pepper the bones and brown them nicely in a heavy pot with vegetable or olive oil blend (not pure olive oil).
- Brown about two pounds of lean beef, cut into cubes, along with the bones.
- Prepare aromatic vegetables (carrots, onions, celery) and brown them slightly.
- Create a herb bouquet using bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and garlic, tied in cheesecloth.
- Add the herb bouquet to the pot with the browned meat and vegetables.
- Add about two quarts of water.
Step 2. Adding the Freekeh and Simmering
- Rinse the freekeh well and soak it in cold water for about half an hour.
- Drain the freekeh and add it to the soup.
- Simmer gently for at least an hour and a half, or until everything is tender.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Correct seasoning and remove the herb bouquet.
Step 4. Serving Suggestion
- Serve the soup with a fresh salad.
Read more: Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Mint Yogurt: A Food Wishes Recipe
Tips
- For genuine German green freekeh, soak overnight.
- Skim excess fat from the soup after browning the meat.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 70-90g
- Carbs: 150-180g
- Protein: 100-120g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute other grains for freekeh?
Yes! Brown rice, barley, or farro can be used as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This freekeh soup is the perfect embodiment of comfort food, offering both deliciousness and nutrition. Enjoy this hearty and healthy dish as a satisfying meal any time of year, but especially during those crisp autumn evenings. Warm up with a bowl, and savor every flavorful bite!