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.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick yellowish-brown soup with visible grains and shredded pieces that look like chicken. On one side of the bowl, there is a topping layer made of chopped red onions and fresh green cilantro leaves, with some small black seeds sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a metal spoon nearby and a glass of light pink liquid partially visible at the bottom. A cinnamon stick is lying next to the bowl. Another white bowl with the same soup is partially visible at the top left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Rinse and soak the freekeh grains in 3 cups of water while preparing the broth.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Two white bowls of thick yellow lentil soup are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a smooth soup base with soft grainy texture and small chunks of lentils. One bowl shows shredded chicken pieces scattered on top. Both bowls have a garnish of chopped red onion with purple and white tones, along with fresh green cilantro leaves on one side of the bowl. Black seeds are lightly sprinkled near the garnish. Next to the bowls, two silver spoons rest on a white cloth. Nearby, two sticks of brown cinnamon lie next to a clear glass of light orange drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print

Vegetable 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.

  • Author: nova
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare Freekeh: Rinse the freekeh grains thoroughly, then soak them in 3 cups of water while you prepare the broth.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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