Greek Kolyva (Koliva) (Wheat Berry Memorial Food)

Name: Greek Kolyva (Koliva) (Wheat Berry Memorial Food)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups wheat berries (about 1 pound, 6 ounces); salt; 1/2 cup sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon anise seed; 1 1/2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped (6 ounces); 1 1/2 cups blanched slivered almonds (6 ounces); 1 1/2 cups golden raisins; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; pomegranate, seeds of (see Notes); 3 cups confectioners' sugar, divided (sometimes called icing or powdered sugar); 2 cups blanched almonds, whole, for decorating; silver dragee decorative candies (Jordan Almonds)

Servings: persons

4 cups wheat berries (about 1 pound, 6 ounces)
salt
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 teaspoon anise seed
1 1/2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped (6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups blanched slivered almonds (6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups golden raisins
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pomegranate, seeds of (see Notes)
3 cups confectioners' sugar, divided (sometimes called icing or powdered sugar)
2 cups blanched almonds, whole, for decorating
silver dragee decorative candies (Jordan Almonds)

1
Rinse the wheat berries and place them in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches, along with a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the berries are tender and beginning to split but not mushy, about 1 3/4 hours. (Add more water to the pot when the liquid reduces to the level that the wheat no longer floats, and stir from time to time so the berries don't stick to the bottom.) Drain and set aside in the strainer to cool and dry for at least 1 hour or up to several hours.
2
Place the cooled wheat berries in a large mixing bowl. Add the sesame and anise seeds, walnuts, slivered almonds, raisins, cinnamon, and the pomegranate seeds. Sift in 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar and toss it all together.
3
Transfer the mixture to a large platter or tray. Sift the remaining confectioners' sugar over the top to coat it thickly, almost like a frosting. Decorate the top with the whole almonds and the dragees.
4
To serve, present the platter of decorated kolyva. Then, just before eating, mix it all together. Serves 40.
5
NOTES: Pomegranate is not always in season, but there really is no substitute for the seed in taste, texture, or symbolism. If it is not available, simply omit it.
6
Dragees are available in any well stocked large supermarket, usually in the baking aisle.
7
Kolyva is traditionally prepared the day before the memorial serve, but the wheat berries can ferment if left at room temperature overnight and the sugar can crystallize in a refrigerator's moist environment. The best pre-preparation method is to boil and refrigerate the wheat berries ahead of time, then add the other ingredients and decorate the kolyva just before it's needed.
8
Adventures In Greek Cooking : The Caper and The Olive by Susanna Hoffman.

1767

kcal

Calories

106

Fat

192

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 cups wheat berries (about 1 pound, 6 ounces), salt, 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon anise seed, and more.

Yes, Greek Kolyva (Koliva) (Wheat Berry Memorial Food) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!