Ferik (also spelled frika), or green wheat, which is very common in the Egyptian countryside, makes a good side dish. It has a wonderful earthy texture and an unusual smoky flavor. (See the introduction to the preceding recipe.)

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 cup ferik

　　1 1/2 cups water

　　Salt

　　2 tablespoons butter

　　

Step 1

Wash the ferik in 2 or 3 changes of water, then rinse in a colander.

　　

Step 2

Bring the water with salt to the boil in a saucepan. Add the ferik, bring to the boil again, and cook, covered, over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the grain is tender, adding a little water if it is too dry.

　　

Step 3

Stir in the butter and leave, covered, for about 10 minutes before serving.

　　The New Book of Middle Eastern Food Copyright © 2000Knopf