Talbina: Barley Porridge, The Prophetic Superfood For Mind And Body
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
For making 2 servings
  • Ground barley- 2 tbsp, combine with ¼ cup milk
  • Milk- 2 cups
Toppings
  • Crushed almonds
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Honey
Instructions
  1. To prepare Talbina the traditional way, you'll first need ground barley. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare Ground Barley
  1. Roast the Barley:
  2. Take 1 cup of whole barley and dry roast it in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Important: Do not let the barley turn golden or brown: light roasting is all you need.
  3. Cool and Grind:
  4. Let the roasted barley cool down completely, then grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or blender.
  5. Store for Later:
  6. Transfer the ground barley to an airtight container. It stays fresh for a few months when stored in a cool, dry place.
Make Talbina (2 Servings)
  1. Make a Slurry:
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ground barley with ¼ cup of milk. Stir well to form a smooth, lump-free slurry.
  3. Heat the Milk:
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in 2 cups of milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the Talbina:
  6. Slowly add the barley-milk slurry to the warm milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  7. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
  8. Tip: Do not turn the heat to high: slow and steady ensures a smooth texture.
  9. No Sugar or Salt:
  10. Talbina is traditionally cooked without sugar or salt. Sweetness comes from honey added just before serving.
  11. Serve Warm:
  12. Pour the warm Talbina into soup bowls. Garnish with crushed almonds and pistachios, and drizzle with a teaspoon of honey.
  13. Enjoy It Warm:
  14. Stir gently to combine the toppings and honey. Talbina is best enjoyed warm, when it’s at its most comforting and nourishing.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/talbina-barley-porridge-the-prophetic-superfood-for-mind-and-body/