Breakfast
Barley Gruel with Milk and Figs
Ingredients
- - 180 g (1 cup) pearl barley
- - 1 liter (4 cups) water
- - 250 ml (1 cup) milk
- - 8 fresh figs, quartered (or 10 dried figs, chopped, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
- - 2 tablespoons honey
- - Pinch of salt
Method
- Rinse the barley thoroughly and add to a saucepan with the water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and thickened.
- Stir in the milk and cook for a further 3 minutes.
- Fold in the figs and honey, warming through for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot in shallow bowls.
Native/Reconstructed Name: It en Sha'a (reconstructed; barley gruel)
Cultural Background: Barley was grown alongside emmer wheat throughout the Nile Valley and was especially associated with
brewing, but it was equally common as a boiled morning gruel for ordinary families. Figs were one of Egypt's
most abundant fruits, dried in the sun for year-round use, and appear repeatedly in tomb offerings as a symbol
of sustenance and abundance. This dish reflects the diet of the working farmer class who ate barley more often
than the emmer wheat prized for the finest bread.
Tips:
– For a smoother gruel, mash a portion of the cooked barley before adding the milk.
– Dried figs give a deeper, more concentrated sweetness than fresh.
Variations:
– Use dates instead of figs for a firmer, caramel-like sweetness.
– Add a pinch of ground fenugreek for a savory, slightly bitter edge favored in some regions of Upper Egypt.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little extra milk to loosen.
Nutrition: Approx. 260 kcal, 7 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate, 3 g fat, 7 g fiber per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can this be made without dairy?
A: Yes, replace the milk with extra water or a plant-based milk for a similar texture.
Q: What barley works best?
A: Pearl barley is easiest to source and cooks reliably; hulled barley works too but needs a longer soak.