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Desserts

Kolo Honey Bars

The Quirky Foodster Team

(0)
15 minutes
Prep
15 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 150 g (1 cup) Roasted barley (kolo)
  • 100 g (2/3 cup) Roasted chickpeas (kolo)
  • 120 g (1/3 cup) Honey
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Pinch of salt

Method

  1. Line a small baking tray or dish with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the roasted barley and chickpeas in a large bowl.
  3. Gently warm the honey, butter, cinnamon and salt in a saucepan over low heat until melted and combined, about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour the warm honey mixture over the grains and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the lined tray using the back of a spoon or spatula.
  6. Chill for at least 1 hour until firm, then cut into bars.

Introduction: Kolo — roasted barley and chickpeas — is a beloved everyday snack in Eritrea.

Cultural Background: Kolo — roasted barley and chickpeas — is a beloved everyday snack in Eritrea. Bound together with warmed honey into bars, it becomes a sweet treat often prepared for celebrations and shared among children and guests.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Reheating: No reheating needed; serve at room temperature.

Tips: Press the mixture down firmly — this is what helps the bars hold together once cut. Work quickly while the honey mixture is still warm and pourable.

Variations: Stir in chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Use date syrup in place of honey for a vegan version. Naturally vegan if honey is replaced with a plant-based syrup; vegetarian as written. Breads

Nutrition: Calories: 140 kcal · Protein: 4 g · Carbs: 22 g · Fat: 4 g · Fiber: 3 g

FAQs:

Q: Where can I find roasted kolo grains?
A: East African grocers typically stock roasted barley and chickpeas; alternatively, dry-roast raw barley and chickpeas in a pan until golden and fragrant.

Q: Can these bars be made nut-free?
A: Yes — the base recipe as written contains no nuts; simply skip any nut-based variation.