Koliva a traditional wheat berry dessert made in the Eastern Orthodox Church which is served as a memorial dish at funerals, memorial services which is symbolic of the the cycle of life, death, and resurrection. Just as Jesus taught in the Gospel of John: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” The wheat berries symbolize the body of the departed loved one which is planted into the ground, and lies in wait and hope of the resurrection of the dead.

What this video on Patristic Nectar Kids on YouTube to learn more about Koliva:

Scroll down to try out our simple koliva recipe, using wheat berries, crushed graham crackers, cinnamon, pomegranate seeds, crushed walnuts, and topped with powdered sugar, and candied Jordan almonds.

Koliva is a heartwarming dish that is a testament of our love for the person who has reposed. It’s a tradition in the Orthodox Church that is done Universally, although the recipes may vary. This is the recipe that was shared with me in our local Church, and now I continue to make it this way.

This dish can take some preparation and time, but once the wheat berries are cooked and cooled, it all come together in minutes! Decorating can be as simple or as extravagant as you choose. We chose to decorate using powdered sugar and Jordan almonds.

NOTE: Got a pressure cooker or Insta-pot? Place the wheat berries in your pressure cooker/insta-pot with 3 to 1 water to wheat berries ratio. Once seal has formed (pressure cooker begins to whistle), cook for 35 mins. Safely release steam, place cooked wheat berries in a colander to drain and cool.

Yield 25

Author Khouria Destinie Winn

Prep time

10 Min

Cook time

1 H & 10 M

Total time

1 H & 20 M

Koliva

Koliva a traditional wheat berry dessert made in the Orthodox Church which is served as a memorial dish at funerals or memorial services. It is symbolic of the the cycle of life, death, and resurrection. Just as Jesus taught in the Gospel of John: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” The wheat berries symbolize the body of the departed loved one which is planted into the ground, who lies in wait and hope of the resurrection of the dead, through Christ our Savior.

Ingredients

Koliva

3 cups of uncooked wheat berries
2 cups of finely chopped walnuts (or nut of choice)
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 cup graham crackers (crushed)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar (for topping)
Jordan almonds for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Prepare wheat berries according to package directions. Typically they will have to boil for 40-60 mins and then cool. Once the wheat berries have boiled, drain, rinse and lay on a baking sheet to dry out using paper towels above and below the berries. Once cooled, they will be ready to assemble.
Mix all ingredients together, minus the powdered sugar. Put mixed items into a bowl and flatten the berries using your hand or parchment paper. Dust powdered sugar (generously) on top of the wheat berry mixture. Press down using parchment paper to flatten the powdered sugar and give it a more pristine finish. Then add the Jordan almonds in the shape of the cross on top of it and decorate as desired.
Bring to Church for the memorial to be blessed and distributed to those in attendance.

Notes

This creates about 7 cups of prepared wheat berries once boiled. The dish itself serves about 25.
Pro tip: Don’t add the powdered sugar decorations until just before the memorial as it tends to absorb any moisture, and can often shift in transport giving it an unfinished look.

Recommended Products:

Wheat Berries

Nutrition Facts

Calories

196

Fat

7 g

Sat. Fat

1 g

Carbs

30 g

Fiber

5 g

Net carbs

25 g

Sugar

8 g

Protein

5 g

Sodium

25 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Koliva: Traditional Memorial Dishhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VcUVtmaCcI

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Last year, my step mom passed away. For her one year memorial, my kids and I made Koliva. Even though she was not an Orthodox Christian, I continue to pray for her and for her soul. I love that our Church encourages participation in these special traditions, as we pray for our loves one who have gone to their rest before us.

FAQ's:

When do you make koliva?
Can be made for a funeral, 40 day memorial, and each year on the memorial of their passing. It is also made for Soul Saturday.
Where do you find wheat berries?
I had a hard time finding them at the grocery store. I checked several. So I ended up purchasing them from Amazon (affiliate link). I got the 5lb bag so I could use it for future recipes or share it with parishioners.
How many does this serve?

This creates about 7 cups of prepared wheat berries once boiled. The dish itself serves about 25 people. We serve it in tiny paper cups with a spoon.

How do I get the top to look smooth?
Don’t add the powdered sugar decorations until just before the memorial as it tends to absorb any moisture. I usually decorate it after I get to Church since the berries shift a little bit when youre transporting them. You can use a piece of parchment paper to press down and make the powdered sugar more flat and pristine looking.