Freekeh and Beef Soup

Ingredients

• •1 cup coarse freekeh (rinsed well to remove any grit)
• •400 g beef, cut into chunks
• •1 whole onion (for the broth, removed later)
• 2 bay leaves
• •3 cardamom pods (for the broth)
• •1 tbsp ghee
• •Salt to taste
• •1 tsp cumin

Steps

1. 1In a deep pot, combine the beef with the whole onion, bay leaves, cardamom pods, salt, and cumin. Cover with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Skim the foam, reduce to low, and simmer for 1.5 hours until the meat is tender.
2. 2Remove the onion, bay leaves, and cardamom pods. Keep the meat and broth together.
3. 3In a separate pan, heat the ghee and toast the rinsed freekeh for 5-6 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly until it darkens slightly and smells nutty.
4. 4Add the toasted freekeh to the broth. Make sure the liquid covers the freekeh by at least 3 cm (top up with boiling water if needed). Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 30-35 minutes until tender and flavor-soaked.
5. 5Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot in deep bowls, each with a piece of meat and plenty of broth. A pinch of cumin on top at serving works well.

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