Freekeh Chicken

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Freekeh (or long grain & wild rice mix)
1 med. onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 Tbsp. butter

1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp. dry basil (or 2 Tbsp. fresh snipped)
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare Freekeh (or rice) according to package directions.  In a large skillet melt butter.  Add onion and celery and cook until tender.  Stir in soup, sour cream, broth and basil.  Stir in cooked Freekeh (or rice) and chicken.  Transfer to a 2 qt. baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake uncovered about 35 minutes or until heated through.  Serves 4.

Martha:  I'm sure some of you are asking what the heck is Freekeh.  Well it is a process that actually means "to rub" in Arabic.  Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their cop of young green wheat was set on fire.  These crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked what was left and "Freekeh was created.  Freekeh can be used in soups, pilafs, salads and just about anything that calls for rice plus.  It's loaded with fiber, more than double quinoa and three times more than brown rice.   It has very little fat and is supposed to be good for weight loss.  I actually saw this on a TV doctor show and decided to give it a try for its benefits hoping it would taste good.  And it does so I'll be using this in place of a lot of my rice dishes.  Only problem I've found so far is finding it.  I had to go to one of the health food stores but as it grows in popularity, I'm sure it will start showing up in the grocery.  This stuff is great!

Food Tester Carol:  This mix of moist chicken chunks, especially prepared green wheat grains, and topped with melted cheese was delicious.  I will use this grain in other dishes.  It was filling but not heavy, very light.  I had lots of energy after dinner (when I often feel very lazy) and continued to work on my projects!  I can only conclude this is a tasty meal to boost energy.