Making Talbina with whole Barley

Whole Barley comes in 3 main forms:

• Hulled barley - This is wholegrain. The outer shell is removed from the grain. 
• Pearl barley - This is polished and the outer husk and bran layers have been removed. 
• Pot barley - This is is less processed in comparison to pearl barley but not as chewy as hulled barley.

To use whole Barley (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. You can also grind whole Barley to make a powder and then make the Talbina from that. Whilst whole Barley is very nutritious, for ease we use ground Barley Flour so the Porridge is ready to eat in 5 minutes.

Talbina made using Pre Roasted Barley Flour  (JAU KO SATTU)

You can use pre - roasted Barley Flour to make Talbina. The flavour is sweeter and more earthy. To use it, cook it using the same method as the one in the recipe card.

How to make Talbina 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 ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon 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 a pot with a tight fitting 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. Nut Butter Paste Mix 1 heaped tablespoon Peanut or Almond Butter (or any Nut/Seed Butter), with 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup and a splash of Milk. Mix to create a paste. 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.  Chocolate Add some chopped Dark Chocolate.