What is Lebanese frike?

Lebanese frike is a traditional Lebanese dish made with cracked wheat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices.

It is typically served as a main course and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

_Frik_ in Arabic translates to "rubbing" or "fracture". The process of making frike is time-consuming and is often done by hand in Lebanon. The best wheat is usually chosen and left to ripen, then toasted (charred), after which it is rubbed to crack the wheat. The cracked wheat is then lightly crushed, separating the germ and bran from the endosperm. The cracked wheat is then sifted to remove any chaff and cleaned before being packaged for sale.

The toasted cracked wheat is then cooked in boiling salted water until it becomes tender, or it is soaked in cold water prior to cooking.

Additional components may be included, such as vegetables (such as onions and tomatoes), olive oil, and spices (such as mint and cumin, etc.). The dish can also be prepared with chicken, lamb, or beef. It can be served with yogurt or pita bread.

Lebanese frike is often served as a warm meal during the winter months, but it is also a popular dish to enjoy during the summer. It is typically cooked in large quantities and shared among family and friends.