Freekeh Paella with Clams and Almond Aioli

Ingredients for Freekeh Paella with Clams and Almond Aioli

• 70g slivered almonds

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

• 60ml olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• Kosher salt

• 2 onions, cut into large pieces

• 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into large pieces

• 8 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 medium-hot chilli (such as a Hungarian wax pepper), stem removed

• 60g dried chorizo, casing removed, coarsely chopped

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 bay leaf

• Kosher salt

• 475ml freekeh

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 12 littleneck clams, scrubbed

• 4 hot pickled peppers from a jar, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 5–8 minutes. Let cool.

Pulse almonds and garlic in a food processor or blender until finely ground. With motor running, gradually stream in oil, lemon juice, then 60ml water; process, adding water as needed, until aioli is light, smooth, and consistency of mayonnaise; season with salt. Cover; chill.

Do ahead: Aioli can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Pulse onions in a food processor until finely chopped; transfer to a large bowl. Repeat, separately, with carrots, garlic, and chilli, adding to bowl with onions as you go. Pulse chorizo in food processor until finely ground.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium and cook chorizo, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chorizo to a plate.

Add vegetables and bay leaf to skillet; season with salt. Cook, stirring often, until moisture is evaporated and vegetables have started to brown, 12–15 minutes; this is your flavour base.

Add freekeh and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until darkened in colour, about 2 minutes. Stir in chorizo and 1075ml water; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, adding more water if liquid evaporates too quickly, until grains are al dente and almost all liquid is absorbed, 45–50 minutes. Nestle clams in freekeh and cover skillet. Cook until clams open, 7–10 minutes; discard any that don't open, along with bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until clam juices evaporate and freekeh is tender, about 5 minutes.

Top with pickled peppers and parsley; serve with aioli and lemon wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.