Koliva

Name: Koliva
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 500 g (2½ cups) whole wheat berries; 200 g (2 cups) walnuts, chopped; 150 g (1 cup) sesame seeds, toasted; 150 g (1 cup) blanched almonds, chopped; Seeds of 1 pomegranate and a handful of raisins; 2 tsp cinnamon and some chopped parsley; Icing sugar and toasted flour or crushed rusks for the top

Κόλλυβα

Boiled wheat for memorial services

Any fast dayPrep 30 minCook 1 h 30 minServes 20Plus overnight drying

When to eat it. Prepared for memorial services and Soul Saturdays. Bring it to church to be blessed and shared after the service. No oil, wine or fish, so it fits even the strict weekdays of Lent.

Ingredients

500 g (2½ cups) whole wheat berries
200 g (2 cups) walnuts, chopped
150 g (1 cup) sesame seeds, toasted
150 g (1 cup) blanched almonds, chopped
Seeds of 1 pomegranate and a handful of raisins
2 tsp cinnamon and some chopped parsley
Icing sugar and toasted flour or crushed rusks for the top

Method

Simmer the wheat in plenty of water for 1 to 1½ hours until tender. Drain and spread on a clean towel to dry overnight.
Mix the wheat with the walnuts, sesame, almonds, raisins, pomegranate, cinnamon and parsley.
Pile onto a tray and cover with a layer of toasted flour, then press on a thick layer of icing sugar.
Decorate with a cross of almonds or the initials of the departed.

Tip. Make sure the wheat is fully dry, or the sugar on top melts.

Fasting customs differ between churches and parishes. When in doubt, follow what your priest gives you. Not sure what today allows? Check the Orthodox calendar.

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