Nothing beats a warm, comforting breakfast on a chilly morning. When I'm craving something healthy yet satisfying, I make Belila - an Egyptian wheat porridge that's like a hug in a bowl.
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ORIGINS
Belila (pronounced be-lee-lah) is Egypt's wholesome alternative to oatmeal. This creamy porridge is traditionally made with whole wheat berries, soaked overnight to soften them. It's a popular breakfast choice and also enjoyed during Ramadan as the pre-dawn meal before the daily fast.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
I have fond childhood memories of waking up to the inviting aroma of Belila throughout our home. My sisters and I loved digging into a big batch of this soothing porridge. It keeps you feeling full and nourished for hours. The subtly sweet, nutty flavors make Belila the perfect soul-warming breakfast.
TIPS
- If you can't find whole wheat berries, don't worry! Pearl barley makes a great substitute and is easy to find at most grocery stores. It has a similar chewy texture and mild nutty taste as wheat berries.
- Soak the grains overnight with a bit of baking soda. This softens them, making them easier to digest and cutting down the cooking time.
- When cooking your grains, keep adding hot water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out. You want to maintain enough liquid for the porridge to cook evenly and prevent scorching.
INGREDIENTS
- whole wheat berries OR pearl barley
- baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- water
- vanilla extract
- whole milk
- Sugar or preferred sweetener
EQUIPMENT
All you need for this recipe is a large bowl for soaking, a large pot for cooking, and a spoon for stirring. Simple, right?
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Top your Belila with nuts, dried fruit, yogurt, honey or cinnamon for extra flavor and crunch. For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk for plant-based milk. I personally like cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist!
SUBSTITUTIONS
- If you can't find whole wheat berries, Pearl barley is a good alternative with a similar texture and taste.
- For a dairy-free version, use your preferred non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk instead of whole milk.
FAQS
Q: WHAT OTHER GRAINS CAN I USE?
A: Feel free to experiment with grains like farro, spelt or quinoa for a different spin. Just keep in mind the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Q: CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free grains like buckwheat groats, millet or quinoa instead of wheat for a gluten-free Belila.
Q: HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE VEGAN?
A: Simply use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. Almond, oat, soy etc. will all work well.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME TASTY BELILA TOPPING IDEAS?
A: Fresh or dried fruit, nuts, nut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, cocoa powder.
📖 Recipe
Egyptian Belila
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat berries OR pearl barley
- 1 tablespoon baking soda sodium bicarbonate
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups whole milk
- Sugar or preferred sweetener to taste (I used about ½ cup raw sugar)
Optional Ingredients:
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
- Nuts and dried fruits such as walnuts, almonds, raisins, or dates
Instructions
- Combine the wheat berries or pearl barley in a large bowl with the baking soda. Cover the grains with ample water, and let them soak for at least 5 hours or preferably overnight.
- After soaking, thoroughly rinse the grains under running water and drain well. Transfer them to a large pot and pour in the 6 cups of water. Set the pot on medium-high heat.
- Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to low. Let the grains simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until they're tender with a slight bite, similar to al-dente pasta. Most of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving a small amount that is slightly thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and whole milk. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Sweeten the porridge to your taste with sugar or your preferred sweetener. Serve the Belila warm or hot, and customize with optional toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a mix of your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Egyptian Belila!
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