Egyptian Belila | Wheat Berries

Egyptian Belila | Wheat Berries

Egyptian belila is a comforting and nourishing dish made from soft white wheat berries simmered until tender and infused with warm, lightly sweet flavors. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert, belila is cooked with milk, lightly sweetened with honey or sugar, and fragranced with a touch of rose water. It is commonly garnished with toasted almonds and shredded coconut, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. This wholesome dish has been cherished for generations in Egypt, offering a perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and texture in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

For the Wheat Berries:

• 1 cup soft white wheat berries

• water (for soaking)

• approximately 3 cups milk

• rose water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• raw honey

For Garnish:

• toasted almond slices

• shredded coconut

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Instructions

Preparing the Wheat Berries

Start by soaking the soft white wheat berries overnight in water. By the next morning, they should have nearly doubled in size, becoming plumper and softer. Drain the soaking water before proceeding to the next step.

Cooking the Wheat Berries

Transfer the drained wheat berries to a pot and add fresh water. Turn on the heat and keep it at a medium-low simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the grains to cook and soften further. Once cooked, drain the water again.

Adding Milk and Flavorings

Pour milk into the pot with the cooked wheat berries. Stir in rose water, sugar to your taste, and a drizzle of raw honey. Stir frequently to ensure even mixing and prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Allow the mixture to reach a light boil, but be careful not to let it overflow.

Serving the Belila

Once the belila is thick and creamy, transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted almond slices and shredded coconut for a delightful texture and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Egyptian breakfast!

Vegan-Friendly Tips

To make belila completely vegan, replace dairy milk with plant-based options like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. These alternatives will still create a creamy texture while adding subtle nutty or sweet flavors.

Turning Belila Into a Dessert

To transform belila from a wholesome breakfast into a delightful dessert, simply enhance its sweetness and richness. Increase the amount of honey or sugar to create a more indulgent flavor, and consider adding a splash of sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess. For added texture and taste, top it with a generous sprinkle of toasted nuts, shredded coconut, and even a drizzle of date syrup or caramel. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness. Served warm or chilled, this dessert-style belila makes for a comforting and satisfying treat.