Before you scoff at my silly title, let me explain myself!

Freekeh is an ancient grain from young green wheat that can be cooked like rice or quinoa. It is a mainstay of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Freekeh Foods sent me two packages of the grain, original and tamari flavor, just to try out. I didn’t know what exactly to expect, but was surprised to learn that a generous serving size (3/4 cup cooked) contains only 130 calories with nearly three times the fiber and protein of brown rice.

I decided to cook up the Freekeh with some steamed brussel sprouts and kale, along with a homemade ginger garlic sauce. The original Freekeh doesn’t have much of it’s own flavor and the nuttiness actually reminds me of plain steel cut oats. It’s very filling though and easy to customize with herbs, spices and sauces! The organic grain would make another healthy alternative to white rice or pasta for dinner entrees, and I can’t wait to try out a breakfast recipe using almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon too :)

Garlic Ginger Greens & Grains:

• 1 cup dry Freekeh (plus 2.5 cups water)
• 1 cup brussel sprouts, rinsed and halved
• 1 cup kale, rinsed and ripped into bite-sized leaves
• 4 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. low-sodium tamari sauce (soy sauce alternative)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• black pepper to taste

1.) Add Freekeh and 2.5 cups water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.

2.) Place brussel sprouts (fresh green beans is great too!) in a steamer, and cook until softened. Add in kale for the last five minutes.

3.)While vegetables are steaming and grains are simmering: combine tamari sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger and black pepper in bowl. Whisk until well-combined and set aside.

4.) Once vegetables are steamed, transfer the greens into a medium skillet over medium heat with 1 Tbs. olive oil. Pour the garlic ginger sauce over the vegetables and sautee for 2 minutes.

5.) Serve the grains and greens with whatever protein source you prefer!

I plated mine with a quinoa sweet potato veggie burger from Costco. Gotta love a new and unique ingredient to add to my home-cooked clean dinners (because let’s be honest, there are only so many ways combine brown rice and broccoli before it starts to feel a little repetitive.)

I totally enjoyed cooking up this new “recipe” over the weekend. I used my Sunday Long Run (15 miles!) as an excuse to lay in bed with my book for three hours in the afternoon before deciding to get up, be productive, cook something and take pictures of it. ;) So far I’ve been disappointed that our Sprouts doesn’t carry these Freekeh packages but I can’t wait to find them elsewhere and try out the rosemary flavor. Let me know what you think!

XOXO Kenz