Difficulty: Easy | Yields: 1 Batch
A beloved dish of Persian New Year (Nowruz), Samanu is a silky, caramel-like pudding made entirely from sprouted wheat. 🍯🔥 This ancient delicacy, rich in natural sweetness and packed with energy, has been prepared for centuries as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and abundance. Traditionally made in a communal setting with prayers and music, Samanu is not just food—it’s a celebration of life! 🌿🥣
Ingredients For Samanu
🔥 For Traditional Samanu:
☑ 3 cups wheat grains (for sprouting) 🌾
☑ 2 cups whole wheat flour 🍞
☑ 8 cups water 💧
🔥 For Garnishing & Serving:
☑ Chopped pistachios or almonds 🌰
☑ Ground cinnamon 🥄
☑ Toasted sesame seeds ✨
👨🍳 Cooking Steps For Samanu
🔥 Step 1: Sprout the Wheat
1️⃣ Rinse the wheat grains thoroughly and soak them in water for 2 days, changing the water daily.
2️⃣ Drain the grains and spread them on a damp cloth, covering them with another damp cloth.
3️⃣ Let them sit for 3-4 days, rinsing daily, until small sprouts appear.
🔥 Step 2: Extract the Wheat Juice
1️⃣ Blend the sprouted wheat with 4 cups of water until a smooth liquid forms.
2️⃣ Strain through a cheesecloth or fine sieve, extracting as much wheat juice as possible.
🔥 Step 3: Cook the Pudding
1️⃣ In a deep pot, mix the wheat juice with whole wheat flour, stirring until smooth.
2️⃣ Add the remaining 4 cups of water and cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
3️⃣ Simmer for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ The mixture will turn deep brown and thicken into a silky pudding.
🔥 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Spoon the Samanu into serving bowls and let it cool.
2️⃣ Garnish with pistachios, cinnamon, or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Serve warm or cold as a symbol of sweetness and prosperity during Nowruz! 🌿✨
Samanu: A Sweet Taste of Tradition! 🌾🔥With its deep, malt-like sweetness and creamy, velvety texture, Samanu is a labor of love that connects generations. Whether enjoyed on Nowruz or as a nourishing dessert, this ancient Persian delicacy is a timeless celebration of nature’s gifts
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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