Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Talbina in a bowl with chocolate and stewed blueberries to side

How to make Talbina - Healthy Barley Porridge

Safira
How to make Talbina - Healthy Barley Porridge - Talbina is a Prophetic breakfast recommended by the beloved Prophet Muhammad Saw. This simple dish is a nutritious porridge made from ground barley and it has numerous health benefits. 
5 from 11 votes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Middle Eastern, Muslim
Servings 1
Calories 284 kcal

Ingredients
  

Talbina

  • 2 tbsp Barley Flour heaped tbsp
  • 175 - 250 ml Milk or Water. Adjust quantity according to your preference.

Optional but recommended add ins

  • ½ tsp Spices Chai Masala or use some Ground Cinnamon, Saffron, Cloves, Ginger and Cardamom
  • 1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup

Instructions
 

  • Add Barley Flour and Milk to a pot. Simmer slowly over low heat for 5 minutes until it thickens, whisking regularly.
  • Add Spices if using, and simmer for 1 - 2 minutes over medium heat. I like to add Saffron, Cardamom and Ginger.
  • Top with Honey and serve.

Notes

Talbina made with whole Barley

Whole Barley comes in 3 main forms.
Hulled barley is wholegrain. The outer shell is removed from the grain. 
Pearl barley is polished and the outer husk and bran layers have been removed. 
Pot barley is less processed in comparison to pearl barley but not as chewy as hulled barley.
In the case of Hulled Barley, Pearl Barley and Pot Barley, pre soaking in cold water overnight is required.
The following morning it is added to boiled milk and then simmered for 45 - 50 minutes. 
Whilst whole Barley is very nutritious, for ease we use ground Barley Flour so the Porridge is ready to eat in 5 minutes.

Talbina using Pre Roasted Barley Flour  (JAU KO SATTU)

In my recipe, I use Barley Flour that has not been pre roasted. 
You can use pre - roasted Barley Flour for a sweeter, more earthy flavour. 
Cook it using the same method as the one in the recipe card below.

Talbina made with Barley Flakes (Jau Daliya)

Boil Milk and add Barley over medium heat.
Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Add chopped Medjoul Dates (If they are dry, pre soak for 10 minutes).
Cook for 5 - 6 more minutes until it reaches a porridge-like consistency.
Drizzle over Honey and add 1/4 to 1/3 tsp Cardamom powder or whatever you prefer.

Storage and Reheating

Talbina is best made fresh but if you do have leftovers they can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container or pot with a tight lid for up to a day.
Reheat on the hob or in the microwave with a couple of tablespoons of milk or water. 

Toppings and Variations 

Water or Milk
Talbina can be made with Water or Milk and you can adjust the quantities of the liquid too.
Add your favourite ground Spices
Such as Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom etc. This is especially beneficial during the colder months.
Sweetener
Add a drizzle of sweetener such as Date Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave.
Nut Butter
Add a tablespoon of Nut Butter such as Tahini, Peanut Butter or Almond Butter.
Seeds and Nuts
Add a sprinkling of toasted  Nuts or Seeds such as Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Pecans.
Granola
Add a sprinkling of Granola or toasted Coconut or almond flakes.
Compote
Add stewed fruits or Compote.
Plant Based Milks
Use plant based milks such as Oat milk or coconut milk.
Fruits
Add fresh fruits or dates which act as natural sweeteners.
Grilled Dates
Add Grilled Dates - Grill or lightly cook dates in a pan with butter or ghee, then drizzle with honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper at the end and add to the Porridge. 

Other uses for Talbina

This broth can be used as a stock for soups or stews or as a thickener.

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 181mgPotassium: 281mgFiber: 5gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 781IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 554mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Grieving, Healing, Prophetic Medicine, Talbina
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!