Freekeh Pudding with Blueberry Sauce
This creamy Freekeh Pudding with blueberry sauce is my family favorite! It has everything a good pudding has, it’s creamy, sweet, and delicious. The calories are lower since we are using freekeh instead of rice and more nutrients.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Freekeh pudding with blueberry sauce is a delightful dish that has garnered appreciation for various reasons. Here are a few reasons why people enjoy this dessert:
- Unique Texture: Freekeh, a roasted green wheat, provides a chewy and slightly nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy consistency of the pudding.
- Nutritional Value: Freekeh is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making the pudding a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
- Flavor Combination: The earthy, slightly smoky flavor of freekeh complements the sweet and tangy taste of blueberry sauce, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.
- Versatility: This pudding can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a versatile dessert suitable for any season.
- Cultural Appeal: Freekeh is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and incorporating it into a pudding introduces people to new culinary traditions and flavors.
Key Recipe Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious dessert with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Freekeh: The main ingredient, providing a unique texture and nutty flavor.
- Milk: Used to cook the freekeh and create a creamy consistency.
- Sugar or Sweetener: To sweeten the pudding.
- Vanilla Extract: For added flavor.
For the Blueberry Sauce:
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, the star ingredient of the sauce.
- Sugar: To sweeten the sauce.
- Water: To help cook the blueberries and create the sauce.
Substitutions And Variations
These substitutions and variations allow you to customize freekeh pudding with blueberry sauce to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk:
- Almond Milk: For a nutty flavor.
- Coconut Milk: For a richer, creamier texture.
- Oat Milk: For a slightly sweet taste.
- Sugar or Sweetener:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness.
- Agave Nectar: For a vegan-friendly option.
Variations:
- Spices in the Pudding:
- Add nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.
- Use saffron for an exotic flavor and color.
- Additional Ingredients:
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.
- Mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
- Toppings:
- Sprinkle with cocoa powder or cinnamon for added flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
How To Make Freekeh Pudding
Step 1
Soak freekeh in warm water for an hour.
Step 2
Boil freekeh for one hour until tender.
Step 3
In a saucepan, add milk and sugar, when it comes to a boil, add the butter and drained freekeh.
Step 4
Let it cook for 15 minutes on medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thick. Add vanilla, stir for one minute, and turn off the heat.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Low fat milk works in this recipe and I have used it and didn’t see much difference in texture or flavor. However, do not use skimmilk.
If you don’t soak the freekeh it will take you a long time to get a creamy texture and you might need to add more milk than mentioned in the recipe.
Saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon are some of the flavors that go well in freekeh pudding.
In the Refrigerator:
Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature before storing it.
Place the cooled freekeh pudding in an airtight container.
Store the container in the refrigerator. Freekeh pudding can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
In the Freezer:
As with refrigeration, ensure the pudding is completely cooled before freezing.
Divide the pudding into individual portions for easier thawing and serving. Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Store it in the freezer. It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Thawing and Reheating:
If frozen, transfer the pudding to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy consistency if it has thickened too much.
Related Recipes
- Arroz Con Leche, a Mexican rice pudding.
- Silky Orange Pudding.
- Homemade Vanilla Pudding.
- Banana Rice Pudding.
- Self-Saucing Butterscotch Pudding.
- Classic Rice Pudding.
Please Review and Rate
If you have tried this Freekeh Pudding with Blueberry Sauce recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Freekeh Pudding with Blueberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup freekeh uncooked
- 1 tablespoon +1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoon water
For the blueberry sauce
- 1 cup fresh blueberries you can use frozen
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
Making Freekeh Pudding:
- Soak the freekeh in warm water for an hour. (Do not skip this part, especially if you are using whole freekeh).
- Boil the freekeh for one hour or until tender. Keep aside.
- In a saucepan, add milk and sugar, when it comes to a boil, add the butter and the soaked and drained freekeh.
- Let it cook for 15 minutes on medium heat. Stir to avoid the milk from burning.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thick. Add vanilla, stir for one minute, and turn off heat.
- When the pudding cools, refrigerate.
Making Blueberry sauce:
- In a saucepan, add all the ingredients and let it come to a boil.
- Let it boil for 2 – 3 minutes on medium heat.
- Remove from heat and keep aside to cool. Then pour a small amount on the freekeh pudding before serving.
Notes
- You can use coconut milk instead of whole milk.
- Always soak the freekeh before cooking, it makes the cooking process faster.
- Check the type of freekeh when buying it, split freekeh cooks faster. The whole freekeh takes a long time to cook.
- Instead of vanilla, you use lemon or orange zest, saffron, or cardamom to flavor the pudding.
Hi Muna,
I’am Chantal from Travelling Papilles, I just discover your beautiful blog full of nice recipes.
I heard about freekeh but I didn’t try it yet. This is a nice idea to cook it this way
Your pudding look so yummy!
Chantal
Hi Chantal, and thanks for stopping by. I tested this recipe and decided it is a must share, freekeh is new to many, but when you know how to cook it you’ll just love it!
Looks very very tasty!
Thank you Angie!
Looks so yummy! And I love that it’s served with blueberry sauce 🙂
The Blueberry sauce adds a nice flavor to this pudding!
mmm looks so tempting, nice pictures!
Thanks Amallia, and it tastes good too 🙂
Beautiful photos and yummy 😀
I must find out whether its available here 🙂
Thank you Lisa, this pudding is really tasty and healthy, if you managed to find Freekeh in the stores near you, make this pudding and let me know what you think 🙂
A wonderful idea and delicious pudding!
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa 🙂
Those looking for freekeh should look in any nearby foreign grocery store, more likely a middle eastern type store.
When soaking the freekeh, do you use hot or cold water? I assume you drain the freekeh before continuing with the recipe? Looking forward to your reply, as I am excited to try freekeh. Thanks!
I Soak the freekeh in hot water not boiling, or you can use warm water.