1. Do I have to use all the toppings?

Not at all—Burbara is delicious on its own! The fruit garnish adds a chewy texture, while the nuts bring a satisfying crunch that complements the tender wheat berries, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. If you have any nut allergies, feel free to omit the nuts entirely.

2. Are wheat berries healthy?

Yes, they are very nutritious! They are high in fiber , which supports digestion. They are also a good source of protein , keeping you full longer, and rich in vitamins (B vitamins, magnesium, and iron).

3. Are wheat berries gluten-free?

No, wheat berries contain gluten because they are the whole kernels of wheat. Therefore, they are unsuitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. But you can substitute for brown rice.

Burbara (Wheat Berry Pudding)

Name: Burbara (Wheat Berry Pudding)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-483984H48M5S
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Levant/Palestinian
Ingredients: 1 Cup Uncooked Wheat Berry; 4 Cups of Tap Water; 2 Cinamon Sticks and 2 Anise Stars: If you're only using cinnamon powder, it should be sufficient to infuse the dish with a warm, earthy flavor.; ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder; 2 Teaspoons Anise Powder; 1 Teaspoon Fennel Powder; ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste); Walnuts; Pine Nuts; Blanched Almonds; Raisins; Pomegranate Seeds

Description

Burbara (Wheat Berry Pudding) is a traditional Middle Eastern wheat-based porridge. It is particularly prepared for Saint Barbara’s Feast Day (Eid Al-Burbara عيد البربارة), which is celebrated on December 4 in Palestinian Christian communities.

The vegan dish is typically made by cooking whole wheat grains (wheat berry قمح) until tender, then sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices like cinnamon, fennel, and anise. It is often garnished with nuts, raisins, pomegranate seeds, or dried fruits, making it both comforting and festive.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Cup Uncooked Wheat Berry
4 Cups of Tap Water
2 Cinamon Sticks and 2 Anise Stars: If you're only using cinnamon powder, it should be sufficient to infuse the dish with a warm, earthy flavor.
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
2 Teaspoons Anise Powder
1 Teaspoon Fennel Powder
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)

Toppings

Walnuts
Pine Nuts
Blanched Almonds
Raisins
Pomegranate Seeds

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Instructions

Place the wheat berries in a bowl, cover them completely with water, and let them soak overnight or for up to 8 hours.
When ready to cook, rinse thoroughly, then place the wheat berry in a pot and cover with water. Add cinnamon sticks and anise star.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low.
Cover the pot and let the wheat berry simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the seeds have softened, stir occasionally to avoid the wheat berry sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Halfway through cooking, add the raisins if you prefer them soft and cooked; otherwise, save them for garnish.
Stir in the spices, and sugar, and allow to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot or warm, garnished with nuts for added flavor and texture.

Notes

To maintain their texture and freshness, nuts, dried fruits, coconut, and pomegranate seeds should be added just before serving.
Make sure to add raisins halfway through the cooking process to prevent them from becoming overly softened.
If you prefer uncooked raisins, simply use them as a garnish.
Wheat berry tends to absorb water quickly, so don’t be alarmed if it overcooks and the water starts to dry out. You can always add more water—boiled water is recommended for this step.
This adjustment can also be made when reheating the dish.
Sweet candied fennel seeds and chickpeas are commonly used either next to the dish or on top.
Keep in mind that the spices and dried fruits will also add natural sweetness to the dish, so adjust the sugar thoughtfully.
If you prefer burbara to be less soupy cut the amount of water, using 3 cups instead of 4.