Coliva (Funeral Cake)

Ingredients:

1 kg bulgur wheat, 1/2 kg walnut, 1/2 kg sugar, zest from 3 large lemons, rum essence

cocoa/coconut/candy/powdered sugar (for decorating)

Preparation:

The wheat is washed 9 times in warm water, then boiled in 3 liters of water.

Bring to boil without mixing – will take around 45 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 15 minutes – mix gently every 5 minutes, until the grain blooms well and the water is absorbed. Let rest for 6 hours (or overnight).

Mix in the sugar and medium chopped walnuts. Add the lemon zest and rum essence, mixing gently. The consistently should be firm enough to be able to place on a plate and shape into a cake.

Let rest in fridge for 2 hours.

Place on a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar or coconut. A stencil is cut in the shape of a cross then the cocoa is sprinkled over it. You can also decorate with small candies.

(Christiana – Holy Spirit – Monastery)