Food & Cooking Recipes Ingredients Pasta and Grains How to Cook Freekeh Close Credit: Bryan Gardner Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 35 mins Yield: 2 cups Freekeh is an ancient grain made from roasting the young, green grains of durum wheat, and it has been a staple in Middle-Eastern and North African cuisines for centuries. It's a nutritional powerhouse that cooks up quickly into a slightly firm and chewy grain with a nutty, smoky, and savory flavor. It's a great substitute for grains like quinoa, wheatberries, and farro. Directions In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add freekeh and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until freekeh is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Use immediately or spread on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.