Wheat berry porridge with rice dumplings

Wheat berry porridge with rice dumplings

This dish is as traditional as it can be. My grandmother’s recipe, from her mother. It has been on our table on many special days for many years. The sugar content traditionally is much higher than what I have given here. But even with much less sugar, it tastes PERFECT!!!!

A little early planning makes the preparations a lot easier. Overnight soaking makes the wheat and lentils cook evenly. So, start the day before. Soak the wheat berries and lentils separately in plenty of water. If you forgot to do this, soak them for 2 hours. You can skip the soaking altogether too. But then, you will have to cook these longer. Drain the soaked wheat berries; add enough water to cover and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 10 minutes (Increase the cooking time if not soaked). Drain and cook the lentils in enough water on stove-top till they are soft but hold the shape well. This will take about 6- 10 minutes.

To make the dumplings, add salt to water and bring it to boil over high heat. REMOVE ¼ CUP WATER. Keep it aside, to use if needed. Add the rice powder into the remaining boiling water on stove top. Reduce heat and stir well to make a dough ball. If water is less, add the water we have set aside, little by little. If the dough is too watery, add a little rice powder. Rice dough is very different from wheat dough. Because of the lesser gluten content, rice dough will be crumbly if you don't add enough water. But too much water makes it pasty and difficult to roll and cut. Take off heat and let cool a bit. Knead well. Make into thin ropes, little less than 1 cm diameter. Cut to make little discs. Microwave for 1 minute in a covered glass bowl. You can also steam this instead of microwaving.

To make the porridge, combine the cooked wheat berries and lentil in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Add the coconut milk and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Add the rice dumplings and cardamom powder. You can make this as watery or as thick as you want by adjusting the amount of coconut milk. Enjoy as breakfast or add more sugar to serve it as a dessert!!!!!