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.
175 - 250 mlMilk or Water. Adjust quantity according to your preference.
Optional but recommended add ins
½tspSpices Chai Masala or use some Ground Cinnamon, Saffron, Cloves, Ginger and Cardamom
1tbspHoney 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.
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 MilkTalbina can be made with Water or Milk and you can adjust the quantities of the liquid too.Add your favourite ground SpicesSuch as Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom etc. This is especially beneficial during the colder months.SweetenerAdd a drizzle of sweetener such as Date Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave.Nut ButterAdd a tablespoon of Nut Butter such as Tahini, Peanut Butter or Almond Butter.Seeds and NutsAdd a sprinkling of toasted Nuts or Seeds such as Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Pecans.GranolaAdd a sprinkling of Granola or toasted Coconut or almond flakes.CompoteAdd stewed fruits or Compote.Plant Based MilksUse plant based milks such as Oat milk or coconut milk.FruitsAdd fresh fruits or dates which act as natural sweeteners.Grilled DatesAdd 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.