Yalla Market
Freekeh Pilaf with Tomato and Mint Recipe
⏱ 35 mins
Easy
4 servings
Merhaba, my friend! It's wonderful to surprise you with something delicious today. How about we whip up a hearty and flavorful Freekeh Pilaf with Tomato and Mint? Freekeh is a fantastic ancient grain, full of nutty flavor and a lovely chewy texture. It's a staple in many Middle Eastern kitchens and makes for a wonderfully satisfying lunch. This dish is simple, comforting, and packed with the warm flavors we love!
Ingredients
- Freekeh Buy: Mahruse Freekeh · ₺198.99
- Onion Buy: Onion Powder · ₺55.99
- Sunflower Oil Buy: Biryağ Sunflower Oil Large · ₺299.99
- Tomato Paste Buy: Tat Tomato Paste Large · ₺88.99
- Sweet Pepper Paste Buy: Oncu Sweet Pepper Paste · ₺349.99
- Dried Mint Buy: Dried Mint · ₺34.99
- Salt Buy: Salt · ₺29.99
- Pepper Buy: Haimi Pepper Spice · ₺105.99
Preparation
- Rinse 1.5 cups of Freekeh thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Finely chop 1 large onion.
- In a medium pot or deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of Biryağ Sunflower Oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of Tat Tomato Paste and 1 teaspoon of Oncu Sweet Pepper Paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen their flavors and aroma.
- Add the rinsed Freekeh to the pot and stir well to coat it with the tomato-pepper mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in 3 cups of hot water. Season with salt to taste, a good pinch of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Dried Mint. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the Freekeh is tender and the water has been absorbed. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't dry out too quickly.
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the Freekeh to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
- Fluff the Freekeh Pilaf with a fork before serving. Serve warm as a delicious and wholesome lunch!
- Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings): Calories: 280-320 kcal, Protein: 9-11g, Carbohydrates: 48-55g, Fat: 6-8g.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can toast the dry Freekeh in the pot for a couple of minutes before adding the onion and oil. This brings out its nutty notes!
- If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the sweet pepper paste.
- This pilaf is wonderful on its own, or it can be served with a dollop of plain yogurt or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Don't overcook your pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a more satisfying texture.
- For an extra kick, you can use Oncu Hot Pepper Paste instead of sweet, or a mix of both.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors beautifully.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes (pul biber) if you like a little heat.
- Don't overcook the eggs! The key to a delicious scramble is to remove it from the heat when it's still slightly moist, as it will continue to cook a little from residual heat.
- Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy, eggy goodness!
- For a milder dip, use Oncu Sweet Pepper Paste instead of hot pepper paste.