How to make coliva step by step

Coliva: A Traditional Recipe with a Flavor of Memories

Coliva, a traditional delicacy often associated with moments of commemoration, is more than just a simple dessert. It is a manifestation of love and respect for our dearly departed, a symbol of life and hope. Whether you prepare it for a memorial service, a remembrance, or simply to reconnect with ancestral traditions, this dish carries a profound story.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 500 g bulgur (preferably high quality)
- 370 g granulated sugar
- 600 g walnuts (about 300 g ground and 300 g chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 liters water
- Plain biscuits (to cover the coliva)
- Powdered sugar, coconut, chocolate candies, walnut halves (for decoration)

Preparing the Coliva:

1. Preparing the Walnuts:
Start the day before preparing the coliva. Carefully clean each walnut piece, ensuring no shells remain that could affect the texture. Roast the walnuts in the oven at 180°C, stirring constantly until they become lightly browned. Once cooled, shell them. Grind about half of the walnuts (300 g) using a food processor or grinder, adding a little sugar to prevent sticking. Chop the remaining walnuts into smaller pieces.

2. Preparing the Citrus Zests:
Place the lemon and orange zest separately in a bowl with a little powdered sugar (about 1 tablespoon), covering them with plastic wrap. Let them sit in the fridge until the next day to enhance their flavor.

3. Preparing the Bulgur:
The next day, light a candle, symbolizing light and remembrance. Wash the bulgur in 9 warm waters while reciting a prayer. Let it soak in warm water for 3 hours. After this time, rinse it again.

4. Boiling the Bulgur:
Place the bulgur in a large pot, add 2 liters of boiling water, and put it in the preheated oven at 200°C. When it starts to boil, reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Check occasionally, gently shaking the pot to prevent sticking.

5. Mixing the Ingredients:
Once the bulgur has swollen and absorbed all the water, remove the pot from the oven. Sprinkle salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar on top. Gently mix with a wooden spoon, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the sugar.

6. Cooling the Mixture:
After removing the pot, let the mixture cool. While still warm, cover with a layer of ground and chopped walnuts, then cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to reach room temperature.

7. Flavoring:
Once well cooled, place the mixture in the fridge until the next day. Then, add the essences, lemon and orange zest, vanilla sugar, and walnuts. Mix well with a wooden spoon or clean hands, blessing the coliva.

8. Shaping the Coliva:
Place the coliva on a platter, shaping it evenly with a spatula or knife blade. Cover with a layer of biscuits, then with powdered sugar, using a sieve for evenness.

9. Final Decorations:
Decorate the coliva as desired: you can add coconut, chocolate candies, walnut halves, or any other treats you like. Don't forget to make the sign of the cross in the middle!

Practical Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients; this will make a big difference in the taste of the coliva.
- Ensure all utensils are very clean; coliva is a sacred dish, so hygiene is essential.
- If you want a fluffier coliva, feel free to grind some of the bulgur; this will help achieve a uniform texture.
- Mix the coliva with care and love; positive energy will be felt in every serving.

Nutritional Benefits:
Coliva is rich in complex carbohydrates due to the bulgur, containing healthy fats from walnuts, which are essential for brain health. Walnuts are also excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use wheat instead of bulgur? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. The wheat needs to be boiled until soft, and the texture will be different.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can add raisins or almonds for a different taste and interesting texture.
- How can I customize the coliva? Add various flavors, such as orange essence or cocoa, to give it a unique touch.

Coliva is more than just a dish. It is a tribute to those who have left us and a manifestation of family and spiritual bonds. May each serving be filled with beautiful memories and bring peace to those who savor it. Cook with love and joy, and your coliva will be truly special!