Boiled wheat

Boiled wheat – a simple fasting dessert, but full of nostalgia and flavors

When we think of culinary traditions, we cannot help but remember the tastes of childhood, when festive meals were filled with chosen dishes made with love. Boiled wheat is a fasting dessert that connects us to these beautiful memories and which has been adapted and improved over time. Its origins are lost in history, linking faith and gastronomy, and today, it is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for the holiday season.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250 grams of bulgur (hulled wheat)
- 75-100 grams of granulated sugar (to taste)
- 300 ml of water
- 75-100 grams of roasted walnuts
- A pinch of fine salt
- 100 grams of golden raisins
- 100 grams of candied fruits (pineapple, cherries, oranges)
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 orange

Preparing the boiled wheat

Step 1: Preparing the wheat
Wash the bulgur well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. This step is essential for obtaining a clean and tasty dessert. Place the wheat in a pot and add 300 ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over low heat, being careful not to stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Boiling the wheat
Once the water starts to boil, a foam will form on the surface that you need to remove with a spoon. This will help achieve a fine texture. Continue to boil the wheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 15-20 minutes, when the wheat starts to swell and the water decreases, add the sugar. Let it boil for another 5-6 minutes, until the wheat is cooked but not overdone, keeping its shape.

Step 3: Roasting the walnuts
While the wheat is boiling, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the walnuts on a tray and roast them for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and fragrant. Once cooled, chop the walnuts finely, leaving some halves for decoration.

Step 4: Mixing the ingredients
When the wheat is cooked and has reached the desired consistency, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Mix the wheat with the roasted walnuts, raisins, lemon and orange zest, as well as the rum essence. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated, and the dessert has a uniform flavor.

Step 5: Serving
Divide the boiled wheat into serving bowls, decorating it with walnut halves and candied fruits. It is ideal to let the dessert cool completely at room temperature, then store it in the refrigerator, where it will gain an even more pleasant texture. Boiled wheat is served cold and is perfect for enjoying in the company of loved ones.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a stronger nut flavor, you can also add a few almonds or pistachios.
- Instead of rum essence, you can use vanilla essence for a different flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of candied fruits, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Wheat (bulgur) is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. It is rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and contains plant proteins, making it a good choice for vegans and vegetarians. The nuts add healthy fats and antioxidants, while the candied fruits provide vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use regular wheat instead of bulgur?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to adjust the boiling time since regular wheat requires more time to cook.

- Is boiled wheat suitable for vegans?
Answer: Certainly! It is a fasting dessert, without animal-derived ingredients.

- How can I adapt the recipe to make it gluten-free?
Answer: Replace bulgur with quinoa or rice, adjusting the cooking time according to the specific instructions for these grains.

Boiled wheat is not just a fasting dessert, but also a connection to our culinary traditions. It is a dish that brings joy and warmth, perfect for enjoying during the holidays or whenever you feel the need for a little indulgence. Enjoy it with loved ones and share beautiful memories around the table!