dpappas87
Active member
I am planning a memorial service coming up in about two weeks. The person who makes the koliva for everyone in the church is going to be out of town, and I can't find another person to do it. So I thought I'd make it.
I found this recipe - does it look like it would work?
I found this recipe - does it look like it would work?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat berries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup black raisins
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground cloves
- Garnish: pomegranate seeds, whole almonds, and powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preparing the Wheat:
- Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly in a strainer under cold running water.
- Place the wheat in a large pot and add water until it's about 2 inches above the wheat level.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until they are tender but not mushy, adding more water as necessary.
- Drain the wheat and spread it out on a towel or a large baking tray to dry out completely, preferably overnight.
- Toasting Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sesame seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-8 minutes, till golden; be vigilant as they can burn quickly.
- Repeat this process with the almonds and the walnuts, ensuring each is nicely toasted but not burnt.
- Mixing the Koliva:
- Once the wheat is dry, combine it in a large bowl with powdered sugar, toasted walnuts, toasted sesame seeds, toasted almonds, golden and black raisins, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Assembling the Dish:
- Mound the mixture onto a large serving platter, shaping it into a dome with your hands or a spoon.
- Decorate the top with whole almonds and pomegranate seeds creating a cross or other religious symbols as is traditional.
- Just before serving, sift powdered sugar over the top to cover.
