FREEKAH, CHICKPEA AND HERB SALAD

FREEKAH, CHICKPEA AND HERB SALAD image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 cup freekeh
½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
1 cup thinly sliced celery, plus 3 tablespoons chopped leaves
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup fresh lemon juice, more to taste
½ tsp lightly toasted cumin seeds, ground, more to taste
1 garlic clove, minced or puréed (optional)
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Heat a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add freekeh. Toast in the dry pan, shaking pan or stirring, until freekeh becomes fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until water has been absorbed. Turn off heat and uncover. Place a clean dish towel over the pot and return lid. Let sit at least 10 minutes. Uncover and allow freekeh to cool another 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine freekeh, chopped herbs, celery, scallions and chickpeas and toss together. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt and olive oil; toss with salad. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. Serve right away or let sit for up to 1 hour before serving. Advance preparation: The salad is best served within a few hours of tossing with the dressing, but it will keep for a few days in the refrigerator. The cooked freekeh will keep for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator.