Greek Kolyva Koliva Wheat Berry Memorial Food
Discover the heartfelt tradition and wholesome flavors of *Greek Kolyva (Koliva) Wheat Berry Memorial Food*, a classic dish steeped in Greek Orthodox heritage. This comforting recipe combines tender wheat berries with golden raisins, chopped walnuts, and a hint of ground cinnamon, creating a medley of warm, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors. A finishing touch of powdered sugar adds a delicate, snowy layer, while ruby-red pomegranate seeds provide a pop of color and symbolic significance. Perfect for honoring loved ones or exploring rich cultural cuisine, this dish is a blend of simplicity and thoughtfulness. Whether served during memorial services or enjoyed as a nod to Greek culinary traditions, kolyva is a meaningful and nourishing recipe that delights the senses.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Wheat berries
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Golden raisins
- 1 cup Chopped walnuts
- 0.5 cup Slivered almonds
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Pomegranate seeds
- 0.5 cup Unflavored breadcrumbs
Instructions
Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.
In a large pot, combine the wheat berries with enough water to cover them by at least 3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Lower the heat to medium and let the wheat berries simmer for about 50–60 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly chewy.
Drain the cooked wheat berries in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or a large baking sheet to dry completely. This step is crucial to prevent sticking.
Once the wheat berries are completely dry, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Add the granulated sugar, golden raisins, chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of unflavored breadcrumbs evenly on a serving platter. This will help prevent sticking and make the base easier to manage.
Top the breadcrumbs with the wheat berry mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Sift the powdered sugar evenly over the wheat berries to create a smooth, snowy layer. Use a sifter or a fine-mesh sieve for best results.
Optional: Decorate the surface with pomegranate seeds in a pattern of your choice or leave them plain, depending on tradition.
Serve the kolyva at room temperature. It is often offered in small portions to guests during the memorial service or occasion.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5323 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.2 g | 155% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 472 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1011.0 g | 368% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 87.6 g | 313% | |
| Total Sugars | 562.1 g | ||
| Protein | 113.4 g | 227% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 546 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 29.4 mg | 163% | |
| Potassium | 4707 mg | 100% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
