How to Make and Decorate Traditional Koliva

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey provides natural sweetness with fewer calories.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: pecans

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and nut-free.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried apricots

Dried apricots add a different flavor while being cost-effective.

pomegranate seeds

🥗Healthier: blueberries

💰Cheaper: grapes

Grapes are often less expensive and provide similar texture.

Boil wheat berries in water for about 1 hour, optionally adding a cinnamon stick or orange peel to the water.

Drain the cooked wheat and stir it a few times to let the steam out.

Spread the wheat on a large sheet pan lined with a double layer of paper towel to dry for about 6 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.

Mix the cooled wheat with soaked golden raisins, chopped walnuts, pomegranate seeds, a smidge of cinnamon, and crushed graham crackers.

Gently mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the mixture is as dry as possible.

Cover and refrigerate the wheat mixture for up to 3 days, allowing it to come to room temperature before plating.

Plate the mixture on a large flat platter, mounding it slightly but not too high to prevent decorations from flying around.

Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon and prepare for the decorative layers.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary