Freekeh Pilaf with Roasted Vegetables and Tahini
Smoky cracked freekeh simmered in stock with warm spices, piled with roasted aubergine and peppers and drizzled with lemony tahini sauce.
Made with Homemade vegetable stock and Tahini sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.77 a head
- Oven220°C (200°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Toss the aubergine, peppers and onion with 2 tablespoons of the oil and half the cumin. Spread on a large tray and roast for 30 minutes, turning once, until soft and charred at the edges.
30 min - 2
Rinse the freekeh in a sieve. Heat the remaining oil in a medium pan, add the freekeh, remaining cumin, cinnamon and allspice, and stir for 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in your ready made vegetable stock (see the base recipe) and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer on the lowest heat for 20 minutes, until the stock is absorbed and the grains are tender but chewy.
20 min - 4
Take off the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5 min - 5
Fold half the roasted vegetables and half the parsley through the freekeh.
- 6
Pile onto plates with the rest of the vegetables, drizzle over your ready made tahini sauce (see the base recipe) and scatter with the pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Tips
- Freekeh is young roasted wheat, so this is not gluten free. For a gluten free version use the same weight of brown rice and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cracked freekeh cooks in about 20 minutes. Whole freekeh needs 40 to 45 minutes and more stock.
- Roast the vegetables hot and in a single layer so they colour rather than steam.
Storing and freezing
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Keep the tahini sauce separate and spoon it over fresh.
Questions
Is freekeh gluten free?
No. Freekeh is made from young green wheat, so it contains gluten. Brown rice or quinoa will work in the same recipe if you need it gluten free.
Where do I buy freekeh in the UK?
Most large supermarkets sell it in the world foods or grains aisle, and Middle Eastern shops stock it too. It is usually labelled cracked freekeh or freekeh.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it makes a good packed lunch. Cool it quickly after cooking, keep it chilled and eat within 2 days.
More made with homemade vegetable stock
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.