There are so many great quinoa recipes on the internet to choose from that many forget to try greenwheat freekeh (pronounced freak-eh). I've seen a few article call it "the new superfood or supergrain" but it's really not new. Freekeh, like quinoa, is an ancient grain (quinoa is actually a seed) that as been around for centuries. Both have great health benefits. I've made a quick infographic showing some difference between quinoa and freekeh, see below:
You can't really claim that one is better than the other. I just think it's important to stay versatile and not limit yourself to the same foods. Quinoa really does taste great on its own. It's subtle in taste and doesn't overwhelm a dish making it easy to incorporate in many foods (even dessert recipes). Freekeh on the other hand has a great smokey and nutty texture and taste which works well in several savory dishes.
You can buy freekeh cracked or whole. Cracked freekeh only takes about 10 -15 to cook whereas whole freekeh takes 40 minutes. With this recipe I used whole freekeh but if you already have cracked on hand it will work just as well.
This easy freekeh recipe is sure to become a regular recipe in my household. It's simple to make and so far the only way I've gotten my children to eat it.
Easy Mexican Freekeh Pilaf
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 Zucchini (diced)
- 1 red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 cup Sweet Corn
- 1 cup Kidney Beans
- 1 Tomato (diced)
- 1 cup Freekeh (whole) - you can buy it here
- 2 ½ cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- handful fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground Black Pepper
- 1 Jalapeno (optional)
- Lime Juice (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep fry pan. Add onion and saute until they begin to soften.
- Add zucchini and bell pepper and sautee for an additional 2 minutes. (If you want to use jalapeno, add it now or add to top as garnish once pilaf is done)
- Add corn, beans, tomato, freekeh, spices, herbs and half the fresh cilantro. Stir ingredients in pan to mix well then add broth.
- Bring to boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnish will remaining cilantro and jalapeno(optional) and a spritz of fresh lime juice (optional). Enjoy!
Easy Mexican Freekeh Pilaf
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Makes 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ yellow Onion diced
- 1 Zucchini diced
- 1 red Bell Pepper diced
- 1 cup Sweet Corn
- 1 cup Kidney Beans
- 1 Tomato diced
- 1 cup Freekeh whole
- 2 ½ cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- handful fresh Cilantro roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground Black Pepper
- 1 Jalapeno optional
- Lime Juice optional
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large deep fry pan. Add onion and saute until they begin to soften.
-
Add zucchini and bell pepper and sautee for an additional 2 minutes. (If you want to use jalapeno, add it now or add to top as garnish once pilaf is done)
-
Add corn, beans, tomato, freekeh, spices, herbs and half the fresh cilantro. Stir ingredients in pan to mix well then add broth.
-
Bring to boil.
-
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
-
Serve hot, garnish will remaining cilantro and jalapeno(optional) and a spritz of fresh lime juice (optional). Enjoy!
Kaitlin M says
Isn't Mexican food the BEST!? This looks fantastic. I can't believe I haven't tried freekeh yet. This will definitely be the recipe I use first!! :)
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Kaitlin,
I couldn't agree more. I'm all for spicy food! You MUST try freekeh. Not only is it fun to say but it tastes great too. :)
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Hi, Vanessa! Just found your gorgeous recipe and wonderful blog over at Healthy Aperture. Totally love this pilaf! Bursting with beautiful, healthy flavors ... looks absolutely fantastic! Mexican is always such a hit with kiddos and adults alike! Pinning for sure! :D
Vanessa says
Hi Shelley,
I'm so glad you like and I couldn't agree more. Mexican food is always great. It's definitely a hit with my kids as well as my husband. :)
Sabrina says
Which one would be more budget friendly?
There's a third food they soul include: couscous
Kristen says
Making this right now! With minor edits because I don't have everything: omit zucchini, double the beans and corn, lemon juice instead of lime, and topped with shredded cheese instead of cilantro hehe.
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Kristen, Your version of the freekeh pilaf sounds delicious :) I love how versatile the recipe is and that you can change it up each time. Hope you liked it :)