What is the history of this dish?
This dish, along with other typical foods from this region, is characterized by being very ancient. Therefore, more than a history, it is a legend; which may be true or not, and is simply up to the reader's discretion.
This legend takes us back to 2300 B.C. in ancient Egypt, where it is said that the civilization was besieged by an unidentified people from the Mediterranean. One day, when the alarm was sounded for a supposed invasion, the inhabitants decided to harvest their crops to avoid hunger during the attack, but unfortunately, the wheat was still green.
Regardless, they gathered all the green wheat and stored it. Disaster struck when the city caught fire, and all the harvested wheat was burned. Among the burnt wheat, they tried to see if anything had survived until they realized that this mixture made the wheat delicious. It was from this point that the preparation continued until reaching the current frikeh, considered a typical dish.
What does it consist of?
Also known as freekeh, it is defined as a cereal prepared from green wheat, which is toasted and combined with ingredients that vary depending on the country, always keeping green wheat as the main ingredient.
In Syria, it is made with lamb, butter, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, and onion; while in Egypt, it is prepared with tomato, onion, and some pieces of chicken. Lastly, in Turkey, frikeh is popular but called firik, which is prepared with meat, herbs, and chickpeas.
Consuming this dish, besides satisfying your stomach and delighting your palate, also offers very positive nutritional properties. It is characterized by being rich in B vitamins and high in protein.
