Recently I discovered freekeh! It's a deliciously different grain. Freekeh has a unique, toasted and slightly smokey flavor. It is made from green wheat and then roasted (pictured left).

How to prepare: In a sauce pan, combine 1 cup of freekeh, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer on low for about 25 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed.

Nutritional benefit: A perk of freekeh is that it provides fiber plus delivers minerals including: iron, potassium, and magnesium. In fact one 1/4 cup serving has about 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.

Where to find: Look for freekeh in the specialty food sections of grocery stores or check on-line retailers like Nuts.com.

Because of the toasted/smokey flavor, this grain tastes great paired with barbecue flavors, here is a quick recipe to try out!

BBQ Freekeh Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked freekeh

1/2 cup BBQ Sauce

4 ounces grilled chicken or tempeh, diced

1/4 cup sweet onion, chopped

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the cooked freekeh, bbq sauce, grilled chicken or tempeh, and onion. Toss to combine and serve hot or chilled.

Disclosure: Nuts.com is a client of Creative Nutrition Solutions.