{"id":"recipe_c9e7ccc57c","slug":"freekeh-soup","title":"Freekeh Soup with Chicken","description":"A comforting, smoky, and nutrient-dense soup made with ancient green wheat, tender chicken, and warm spices. This North African staple is both hearty and wholesome.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":35,"totalMinutes":50,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 cup freekeh, cracked","name":"Freekeh","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1","usUnit":"cup","form":"cracked","notes":"rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1 large onion, finely chopped","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"finely chopped","notes":"large size","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"2 garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":2,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"300g chicken breast, cubed","name":"Chicken Breast","quantity":300,"unit":"g","usQuantity":10.6,"usUnit":"oz","form":"cubed","notes":"skinless and boneless","group":"protein","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"2 tablespoons olive oil","name":"Olive Oil","quantity":30,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"extra virgin","group":"fats","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1.5 liters chicken broth","name":"Chicken Broth","quantity":1.5,"unit":"l","usQuantity":1.6,"usUnit":"quart","form":"liquid","notes":"low sodium preferred","group":"liquid","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1/2 teaspoon cumin","name":"Cumin","quantity":1,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1/4 teaspoon cinnamon","name":"Cinnamon","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"Salt and black pepper to taste","name":"Black Pepper","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"to taste","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"1/2 teaspoon black pepper","name":"Black Pepper","quantity":1,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"to taste","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-11","original":"Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish","name":"Lemon","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"wedges","notes":"for serving","group":"garnish","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-12","original":"Fresh parsley","name":"Chopped Parsley","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"chopped","notes":"freshly chopped for garnish","group":"garnish","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Rinse the cracked freekeh under cold water several times until the water runs clear. Soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly.","group":"Preparation","title":"Rinse the cracked freekeh under cold water several times","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cubed chicken breast, cooking until the chicken is browned on all sides.","group":"Sautéing","title":"Heat the olive oil","timerMinutes":8,"sourceTitle":"Sautéing"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Stir in the drained freekeh, ground cumin, and cinnamon. Toast the grains with the meat and aromatics for 2 minutes to enhance the smoky flavor.","group":"Toasting","title":"Stir in the drained freekeh, ground cumin, and cinnamon","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Toasting"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.","group":"Simmering","title":"Pour in the chicken broth","timerMinutes":35,"sourceTitle":"Simmering"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.","group":"Plating","title":"Taste and adjust seasoning","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Plating"}],"notes":"Freekeh is harvested while the wheat is still green and then roasted, giving it a unique smoky flavor. You can make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.","cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Egyptian","Maghrebi","Levantine"]},"course":["soup"],"cookingMethod":["saute","boil","simmer"],"equipment":["Large pot","Wooden spoon","Chef's knife","Fine mesh strainer"],"diet":["high_protein","low_fat","mediterranean"],"allergens":["wheat","gluten"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"bowl","note":"Standard soup bowl servings"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating as the freekeh continues to absorb liquid."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add 1/4 cup of water to restore the desired consistency."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_c9e7ccc57c%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=026103cb-c25a-469e-b2da-a93e21efc9f4","imageAlt":"Freekeh Soup with Chicken — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["soup","freekeh","healthy","high-protein","ancient-grains","smoky","african"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Freekeh Soup","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T22:56:00.278Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T22:56:00.278Z","related":[{"id":"ewedu_soup_e41eeb24af","slug":"ewedu-soup","title":"Ewedu Soup","description":"A traditional Nigerian green soup made from jute leaves, known for its viscous (drawy) texture. It is a staple of Yoruba cuisine, typically served with Amala and a side of stew.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","Yoruba"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fewedu_soup_e41eeb24af%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=80033ba6-a624-4cb7-93f4-6b2e30d37501","imageAlt":"Ewedu Soup — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","slimy","traditional","west african","low calorie"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_7e08e81b95","slug":"vermicelli-soup-shorbat-shariya","title":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya)","description":"A light and comforting African-style soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a fragrant savory broth. Simple, quick, and perfect as a starter.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["North African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7e08e81b95%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5635d06b-0fee-4e14-886a-986f260262e0","imageAlt":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya) — recipe cover","tags":["soup","vermicelli","african","easy","quick","comfort food","light meal"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5},{"id":"pepper_soup_da625ee460","slug":"african-pepper-soup","title":"African Pepper Soup","description":"A fiery, aromatic, and deeply comforting West African broth made with a unique blend of spices and tender meat. Often enjoyed as a light yet revitalizing meal.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpepper_soup_da625ee460%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=49c825e9-4db5-48f7-9e5b-c2a81636556f","imageAlt":"African Pepper Soup — recipe cover","tags":["pepper soup","spicy","african","broth","high protein","comfort food"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5}]}