How to make coliva

Coliva - a dessert of memories and traditions

When we say coliva, we think of beautiful moments spent with loved ones, of the celebrations that unite us, and of the traditions that bring us together. Coliva is a symbolic dessert, often prepared for memorial services, but also on days of remembrance for those dear to us. In my family, coliva is a cherished recipe that brings back childhood memories when my mother would make a delicious portion, and we would savor every bite. Today, I will share with you my coliva recipe, passed down through generations, with a few tricks and tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Cooling time: 12 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of wheat
- 3 l of water
- 280 g of sugar (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 essence of rum (or vanilla, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
- A handful of raisins (about 100 g)
- 3 tablespoons of ground almonds (optional)
- 300 g of walnut kernels
- Candies for decoration (optional)

Steps for preparation:

1. Boiling the wheat: In a large pot, add the washed wheat and the 3 l of water. Turn the heat to medium and let the wheat boil. It is essential not to stir the wheat during boiling, but to gently move the pot from side to side to prevent sticking. Boil until the water is almost completely reduced.

2. Adding the sugar: Once the water has evaporated, add the sugar. I use 280 g, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more. Boil again, stirring gently, until a syrup forms and thickens.

3. Cooling the wheat: When the syrup is ready, set the pot aside and sprinkle 200 g of ground walnuts over the wheat. This will help absorb any remaining moisture. Let the wheat cool completely, preferably until the next day.

4. Final mixing: The next day, mix the wheat well with the walnuts, raisins, cocoa, essences, and the remaining ground walnuts. If desired, you can grind the walnuts coarser to add texture. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Decorating the coliva: Place the coliva on a platter and dust it with cocoa. Use a stencil to add a cross made of powdered sugar, symbolizing the memory of loved ones. Decorate with colored candies for a festive look.

6. Serving: Coliva is served cold, and each serving reminds us of traditions and loved ones. It is a nutritious dessert, rich in carbohydrates and fiber, thanks to the wheat and walnuts, providing a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the wheat: Make sure to use quality wheat. Whole wheat is an excellent choice, being richer in nutrients and fiber.
- Sugar: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can replace part of it with honey, but add it after the wheat has cooled.
- Variations: You can experiment with various ingredients, adding dried fruits or different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios.
- Caramelized pears: A wonderful accompaniment for coliva is caramelized pears, which add a sweet and aromatic note.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can coliva be made without nuts? Yes, you can omit the nuts, but they add a delicious texture and taste.
- Can coliva be prepared in advance? Yes, coliva keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- What drinks pair well with coliva? Coliva pairs perfectly with fruit tea or sweet wine, which complements the dessert's flavor.

Cook with love and remember that each serving of coliva is not just a dessert, but also a way to honor the memory of loved ones. Happy cooking and let’s enjoy this delight together!

 Ingredients: 1 kg wheat, 3 l water, approximately 300 g sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa, rum essence, 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar, a handful of raisins, 3 tablespoons ground almonds, 300 g walnut kernel and candies for decoration