Does this look like a good koliva recipe?

[dpappas87]

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?

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:​

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

This looks delicious - thank you so much for sharing the recipe!

 

[Luana]

Yes, it does and koliva can have variations and amonts like raisins need not be exact.. We would also put initials of the dead person on the top, but that may be another regional tradition.