Last Updated on November 13, 2019 by Chef Mireille
Koliva – a whole grain European dessert from Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece. Perfect for a #vegan Easter treat!
Koliva is a traditional dish of the Christian Orthodox Chuch of Eastern Europe, specifically eaten in the countries of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria. It is usually served at Christmas and also on the first day of Lent. Additionally, it is eaten at funeral services and blessed at Divine Liturgy memorial services, performed at different intervals after a death. This dish is also made in Greece, but does not have the religious attachments in Greece and can be served at any occasion there.
The history of this dish in Greece dates back before the Christian Orthodox Church to the times of Greek mythology. The wheat symbolizes Demeter, the earth goddess, while the pomegranate seeds represent her daughter Persephone, queen of the underworld. Almonds were sacred to Aphrodite and raisins to Dionysis. Sesame seeds were said to open the doors of consciousness. (source: Wikipedia)
While enjoying this wholesome dish, you could also teach your kids about Greek mythology at the same time!
Before we get to this great snack, let’s take a look at some other wheat berry treats!
Wheat Berry Recipes
Want to see how this delicious recipe comes together in action – Check out the video here!
This is a very customizable dish. Other ingredients often included are ground walnuts, parsley and other dried fruit.
Koliva – a whole grain European dessert makes a great #kidfriendly after school snack
Koliva – a whole grain European dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon anise seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- powdered sugar for garnish
- chocolate or candy for garnish
Instructions
- Boil wheat berries in a large pot of water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain.
- Add all other ingredients, except garnish ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with powdered sugar and chocolate or candy.
Notes
In Romania, it is garnished with cocoa, chocolate or candy. However, this garnish does not occur in the Greek version.
What a history behind the dish. Lovely choice Mir. This also reminds me of like a trail mix that I can happily munch on anytime of the day.
yes – it tastes good at room temperature as well as warm
Mir what a lovely post..loved reading it, and the dessert sounds so so good with all those nuts, reminds of our indian Kansaar which is made with broken wheat…book marking.
What an interesting dessert, that too with wheat berries.
Such an interesting recipe with a nice history behind it…love those colourful candies on top as well..
interesting salad!!! actually a dessert and a salad!! so healthy..
What an interesting dish and loved your explanation of each of the ingredients.
Very interesting Mir. I can dig into this any time.
Good to know about different country desserts. Nice dessert.looks yumm.
My god this dessert is quite new for me, loved your explanation and history behind this dish..Attractive plating.
I was so interested to read about Koliva – I did not know about the dessert or the traditions around it. Koliva sounds delicious – and very wholesome too! Thank you so much for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.
Super interesting to read this! Love the sound of this dessert. — Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Seeing this recipe made me smile. My aunt and mom still make this and bring to church for memorials. Thanks for sharing a little bit of my Greek heritage on your blog!
awww I am so happy you enjoyed the post. I love Greek food and have several Greek ones up here!
This looks like a healthy dessert loaded with fruits and nuts! And so easy prepare.
yes easy, delicious and healthy – scores on all three points!
Wow, it sure looks like a healthy dessert and guilt free too.
yes healthy and delicious too!
Wow, amazing history behind the dish. Healthy dessert !!! I have a bag of wheat berries untouched for a while, this recipe sounds perfect to give a try !!!
yes definitely use up those wheat berries with this recipe 🙂
I’ve never tried wheat berries, these are looking so healthy and delicious.
thanks – you should definitely get a pack and try them
I liked reading your intro to this dish. This dish is sure to provide an energy boost, with all the ingredients that it has.
absolutely its a great afternoon snack!
I always enjoy reading your posts Mir. More than the dish, you have so many things to share- the history / origin of the dish, which makes it so interesting. This is such a nice recipe!
thanks – yes I too find the history interesting
thanks – am sure the kids would love it also
Healthy and interesting salad, looks yummy
it is – great for kids as an after school healthy snack
Mir, this is such an exciting dessert. I love the texture of the wheat berries and I am trying to think how good this must have tasted. I am bookmarking this for our mega BM 🙂
cool – I am sure you will love it!