Freekeh may sound like an old school insult, but it’s actually a very tasty ancient grain. It’s quick to cook and has a slight nutty flavor that is awesome with roasted veggies. It’s hearty texture makes it similar to brown rice or farro, just the right texture to hold up against roasted fall flavors. This seasonal salad is the perfect way to try this new ancient grain.
Freekeh can be found at most natural food grocery stores. I picked mine up at Whole Foods near the other grains. There are a couple of brands that sell it pre packaged or you may be able to find it in the bulk grain bins.
This recipe starts with roasting sweet potatoes, delicata squash and onions tossed in a mixture of Ras el Hanout. A delicious Moroccan spice blend that has a bit of a curry flavor. Once the freekeh is cooked, it all comes together with a light lemon and herb dressing and a handful of toasted pistachios for a crunch.
If there’s any left, this recipe also packs up well and makes for a lovely lunch. Stir in some baked tofu, chicken and some crumbled feta for a hearty fall dish.
Roasted Delicata Squash and Freekeh Salad
A delicious vegetarian grain salad made with freekeh, roasted delicata squash, sweet potatoes and ras el hanout. A tasty lunch or dinner side.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Grain, Salad, Dinner
Ingredients
- Roasted Squash and Freekeh
- 1 medium (1 lb) delicata squash
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled, halved, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 medium onion, halved, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 package (8 oz) cracked freekeh
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachio, chopped
- Dressing
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Cut delicata squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Cut each half in half lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch slices. In large bowl, place squash, sweet potato and onion.
- Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with Ras el Hanout and salt. Toss until evenly coated. Arrange on ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes; stir. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until vegetables are fork tender.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the water to boil and add the freekeh. Bring back to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the grains are al dente. Drain excess water and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and honey until dissolve. Stir in green onion and parsley.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together roasted squash and onion mixture, freekeh and dressing. Top with pistachios and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 723mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More about freekeh and a couple of other tasty recipes…
Freekeh, Zucchini and Pistachio salad from Oh My Veggies
Freekeh – The Next Hot Supergrain from Huffington Post
Mediterranean-Spiced Freekeh Salad from The Kitchn
Freekeh Pilaf from Yotam Ottolenghi
Looks amazing!
Thanks Mare!
I love using freekeh and regularly cook with it so this recipe is just perfect for me. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Thalia! I’ve just started cooking with it recently and love it!
Old school insult? Ha! I believe freekeh is also mistaken for an early 90’s dance craze 🙂
Haha yeah I think you’re right! Regardless, it’s delicious!
Freekeh makes great meatballs too! Where do you buy your Ras El Hanout?
Oh Merrilyn, that’s a great idea! Ras el Hanout should be in the spice section of a well stocked grocery store. McCormick has a Moroccan spice blend that should be pretty easy to find. Otherwise, specialty markets should have it as well. It’s one of my favorite spice mixes!