Barley Porridge, Talbina with grilled Honey Dates. - Talbina is a Prophetic breakfast made from ground barley and it has many healing properties.
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Barley Porridge, Talbina with grilled Honey Dates
There are many benefits to eating Barley. Some of which are listed below:
- Talbina or Barley is thought to help in the lessoning of sorrows as well as being a healing soup for those who are sick.
- Whilst barley as a whole grain is nutritious, it is better to have it as a flour in a broth for ease of digestion.
- Talbina is nutritious, filling and delicious too.
I first came across it when reading about it in Ibn al-Qayyim's book 'The Prophetic Medicine'.
In his book it was described as a soup that gives relaxation for the heart of the sick person.
I was soon making it regularly to get me through periods of illness.
Hadith on Talbina
Aishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends.
She (may Allaah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of talbina be cooked.
Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the talbina would be poured over it.
Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), "Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) saying:
'The talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' " [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5058)].
The Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) also said:
- "The talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5325)].
- "It (talbina) soothes the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart just as one of you cleans dirt off his face with water." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3445)].
- "You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat (Talbina), meaning broth. If any member of the Messenger of Allaah's family was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3446)].
Benefits of Barley
Barley is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds.
Barley is a particularly rich source of fiber, molybdenum, manganese and selenium.
It also contains good amounts of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium and niacin.
Additionally, barley has antioxidant properties.
Is very filling and can contribute to weight loss.
Barley can boost your intestinal health.
Barley may also lower your cholesterol levels.
The beta-glucans found in barley have been shown to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by binding to bile acids.
Barley is cheap and incredibly easy to add to your diet.
May Prevent Gallstones and Reduce Your Risk of Gallbladder Surgery.
May help to reduce blood pressure and prevent Diabetes.
How to Make Talbina with Grilled Honey Dates
Talbina is made by adding a couple of tablespoons of barley flour to 200 - 250ml water or milk.
If you are using Barley flour that isn't pre roasted, you can lightly roast it in the pan at this point for 2 minutes.
It is then simmered slowly on a low heat for 5 minutes until it thickens.
You can add Spices at this stage if you like.
I like to add Saffron, Cardamom and during colder months, grated Ginger!
You can make it as thick or as thin as you like. Add more Milk/Water according to your taste.
The Talbina below was made using Barley Flour that has not been pre roasted. It also has additional flavourings like Ground Ginger, Cardamom, Clove and Cinnamon as well as Saffron and Maple Syrup.
This Talbina below was made using pre roast Barley Flour but no additional flavourings other then a drizzle of Maple Syrup.
Grilled Dates
For the dates, I grill them and then drizzle them with honey.
I also sometimes add a dot of ghee to the top before grilling and then add a pinch of salt and pepper at the end. (Trust me, so delicious!).
How to make Talbina with Barley Flakes (Jau Daliya)
Boil Milk and add Barley.
Simmer on low for 1o minutes.
Add chopped Medjoul Dates (If they are dry, pre soak for 10 minutes).
Cook for 5 - 6 more minutes.
Drizzle over Honey and add 1/4 to 1/3 tsp Cardamom powder or whatever you prefer.
More Barley Recipes:
Barley Breakfast Bars via LA Times
I made Barley Bars to test them out and yum!
Barley Salad with Feta, Pomegranate and Mixed Seeds
Storage and Reheating:
Talbina is best made fresh but if you do have leftovers to reheat, reheat on the hob or in the microwave with a couple of tablespoons of milk or water.
Toppings, Variations and Notes
- Talbina can be made with Water or Milk and you can adjust the quantities of the liquid too.
- Prefer to use flakes instead? See recipe in notes.
- Add your favourite dry spices - Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom etc.
- Add a drizzle of sweetener such as; Date Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave but can I just say..It is delicious with Maple Syrup.
- Add a tablespoon of Nut Butter such as Tahini, Peanut Butter or Almond Butter.
- Add a sprinkling of toasted Seeds such as Sunflower.
- Add a sprinkling of Granola or toasted Coconut or almond flakes.
- Add stewed fruits or make a Jam like this Raspberry and Strawberry Chia Jam.
- Use pre - roasted Barley Flour for a sweeter richer flavour.
- If you are using Barley flour that isn't pre roasted, you can lightly roast it in the pot at the beginning for 1-2 minutes before adding milk.
- Barley Flour that has not been pre roasted tends to thicken up quicker and the consistency can become quite lumpy if left for a few minutes. This can be easily rectified by pouring in a splash of boiling water.
- Pre roasted Barley Flour thickens up but doesn't tend to get lumpy. The flavour is earthier.
- This broth can be used as a stock for soups or stews or as a thickener.
- I also make talbina and add a variety of toppings some days because once in a while, that is what my body is asking for and I love it!
More Ramadan Recipes:
Nabeez – An energising Suhoor drink for Ramadan
30 delicious and healthy dinner (iftar) ideas for ramadan
30 Delicious and Healthy Breakfast (Suhoor) ideas for Ramadan
**if you make something from tiffin and tea, i would love to see your creations! don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! we love to hear from you. safira x
How to make Talbina - Video
Download Our Free Ramadan Ebook here.
Barley Porridge, Talbina with grilled Honey Dates
Talbina is a Prophetic breakfast made from ground barley and it has many healing properties. A warming soothing bowl of Talbina is thought to help in the lessoning of sorrows too. Whilst barley as a whole grain is nutritious, it is better to have it as a flour in a broth for ease of digestion.
Ingredients
Talbina
- 2 tbsp Barley Flour Heaped
- 175 - 250 ml Milk of choice or Water I use Oat Milk, adjust according to your preference. It is supposed to be thin but I like it thicker so use less liquid.
- 1 tbsp Honey or other Liquid Sweetener It is delicious with Maple Syrup
Optional but recommended add ins
- ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
- Pinch Saffron Strands
- ½ tsp Ground Ginger
Grilled Honey Dates - Optional
- 2 Dates Pitted
- 1 tsp Honey
- Pinch Salt
Instructions
-
Whisk the flour into the milk in a small pot over medium, low heat. Add ground Spices if using. Simmer for around 5 minutes whisking throughout.
-
Remove from heat and sweeten with honey.
Grilled Honey Dates
-
Add the dates to a oven tray and brown for a minute on each side.
-
Drizzle with honey and add the salt. Add to the Talbina.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
To reduce the calorie count, remove the dates.
Without the milk (with water) and dates it is 128 calories.
Storage and Reheating:
Talbina is best made fresh but if you do have leftovers to reheat, reheat on the hob or in the microwave with a couple of tablespoons of milk or water.
Toppings and Variations
You can make it as thick or as thin as you like. Add more Milk/Water according to your taste. I prefer to have it thicker so use around 125 ml Milk with 2 tbsp of Barley. I then add 50ml of boiling water towards the end and stir it through.
Make it with Water or Milk.
Use flakes instead, recipe in notes.
Add your favourite dry spices.
Add a drizzle of sweetener such as; Date Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave.
Add a tablespoon of Nut Butter such as; Tahini, Peanut Butter or Almond Butter.
Add a sprinkling of toasted Seeds such as Sunflower.
Add a sprinkling of Granola or toasted Coconut or almond flakes.
Add stewed fruits or make a Jam like this Raspberry and Strawberry Chia Jam.
Use pre - roasted Barley Flour for a sweeter richer flavour.
If you are using Barley flour that isn't pre roasted, you can lightly roast it in the pot at the beginning for 1-2 minutes before adding milk.
How to make Talbina with Barley Flakes (Jau Daliya)
Boil Milk and add Barley.
Simmer on low for 1o minutes.
Add chopped Medjoul Dates (If they are dry, pre soak for 10 minutes).
Cook for 5 - 6 more minutes.
Drizzle over Honey and add 1/4 to 1/3 tsp Cardamom powder or whatever you prefer.
Shazia Malik says
Divine. This recipe is made in Heaven.
Safira says
Thank you for your lovely comment. x 🙂
Susu says
Can I make this in a microwave? And if so how? Would it be like making ready break porridge :))
Safira says
I haven't tried making it in the microwave yet so I am not sure. I will give it a try and get back to you. 🙂