Vegetable Freekeh Soup Recipe
Introduction
Vegetable Freekeh Soup is a hearty and aromatic dish, perfect for cozy days when you want something nourishing and flavorful. Packed with wholesome ingredients and warming spices, this soup offers a delightful texture and a rich, satisfying taste.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Freekeh, rinsed
- 8 cups Water for soup
- 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 large Celery rib, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 5 Cardamom pods
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice (substitute allspice)
- ½ teaspoon Caraway
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 3 cups Water for soaking the freekeh
- 1 can Young Jackfruit (optional), drained, rinsed, and shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and soak the freekeh grains in 3 cups of water while preparing the broth.
- Step 2: In a large pot, combine onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, cayenne pepper, caraway, Lebanese 7 spice, salt, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low-medium and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Use an immersion blender to blend the vegetables into a thick, smooth liquid.
- Step 4: Drain the soaked freekeh and add it to the blended vegetable broth. Stir in the shredded jackfruit if using. Add the remaining 4 cups of water and adjust salt to taste.
- Step 5: Cover and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 15 minutes or until the freekeh is tender. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, include cooked chickpeas or lentils along with the jackfruit.
- You can substitute Lebanese 7 spice with a mix of allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if unavailable.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or plain yogurt just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to loosen it.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What is freekeh, and where can I find it?
Freekeh is roasted green wheat that has a smoky flavor and chewy texture. You can find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
Can I make this soup without jackfruit?
Yes, the jackfruit is optional. The soup is flavorful and filling on its own, but jackfruit adds a meaty texture and extra substance.
PrintVegetable Freekeh Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Vegetable Freekeh Soup featuring soaked freekeh grains simmered with a fragrant blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and optional young jackfruit, creating a nutritious and warming meal perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 large servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Freekeh, rinsed
- 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 large Celery rib, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 1 can Young Jackfruit (optional), drained, rinsed, and shredded
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 5 Cardamom pods
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice (substitute allspice)
- ½ teaspoon Caraway
- 1 tablespoon Salt
Liquids
- 8 cups Water for soup
- 3 cups Water for soaking freekeh
Instructions
- Prepare Freekeh: Rinse the freekeh grains thoroughly, then soak them in 3 cups of water while you prepare the broth.
- Make the Spiced Vegetable Broth: In a large pot, combine chopped onions, carrot, celery, mushrooms, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, cayenne pepper, caraway, Lebanese 7 spice, salt, and 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low-medium and let it simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Blend the Vegetables: Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Use an immersion blender to blend the cooked vegetables into a thick, aromatic liquid base.
- Add Freekeh and Jackfruit: Drain the soaked freekeh and add it to the blended vegetable liquid. Stir in the shredded young jackfruit if using. Then add the remaining 4 cups of water, and adjust the salt by tasting the soup.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low-medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, perfect as a comforting and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Yield: 4 large servings or 8 small servings.
- For a variation, try adding vermicelli pasta for extra texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to spice preference.
- The optional young jackfruit adds a meat-like texture but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Ensure freekeh is well soaked for optimal cooking and digestibility.
Keywords: Vegetable Freekeh Soup, freekeh soup, Middle Eastern soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, spiced vegetable soup, jackfruit soup

