Print

Vegetable Freekeh Soup Recipe

5 from 119 reviews

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.

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