Moczka - Traditional Polish Sweet Porridge

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) pearl barley 1 cup (200g) pearl barley
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (40g) raisins 1/4 cup (40g) raisins
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried apricots, chopped 1/4 cup (40g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried figs, chopped 1/4 cup (40g) dried figs, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) almonds, chopped 1/4 cup (40g) almonds, chopped
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the pearl barley under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed pearl barley and cook for 30 minutes, or until tender.
3. 3.
   Drain any excess water from the cooked barley.
4. 4.
   Return the cooked barley to the saucepan and add the milk, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, almonds, and a pinch of salt.
5. 5.
   Stir well and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors meld together and the porridge thickens to your desired consistency.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve warm in bowls, garnished with additional dried fruits and nuts if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pearl barley — Rinse the barley thoroughly to remove any impurities before cooking.
• Dried fruits — Soak the raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the porridge. This will help them plump up and become more tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the water with additional milk.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to personalize the flavors and textures of your Moczka.
• Leftover Moczka can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold as a refreshing dessert.

Serving advice

Serve Moczka warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Presentation advice

Present the Moczka in beautiful ceramic bowls, allowing the warm colors of the porridge and the vibrant dried fruits to shine through. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.