Samanu Spread Recipe

Samanu is a traditional Persian sweet paste made from germinated wheat. This nutritious and delicious dish is commonly prepared for the Persian New Year, Nowruz. Its preparation is a symbol of patience and resilience as it takes several hours to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor. Samanu has historical roots that trace back to ancient Persia, and it is lovingly referred to as a dish representing prosperity and abundance.

Ingredients

• Wheat (2 cups)
• Whole Wheat Flour (2 cups)
• Water (as needed)
• Cooking Oil (optional, for smoother texture)

Instructions

Preparing the Wheat

1. Start by rinsing the wheat thoroughly with water to remove any impurities or dust.
2. Soak the wheat in a bowl of water and leave it in a cool place for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to change the water every 12 hours to prevent souring.
3. Once the wheat starts germinating, transfer it to a colander and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it sit for another day until the sprouts are about a quarter of an inch long.

Making the Samanu Paste

1. Grind the sprouted wheat into a smooth paste. You can use a blender or mortar and pestle for this process.
2. In a large pot, mix the wheat paste with water to extract the natural sweetness. Strain the mixture to separate wheat extract from the fiber. Repeat this step a few times to make sure all wheat goodness is extracted.
3. Add the whole wheat flour to the wheat extract and mix well to form a smooth paste.
4. Place the pot on low heat and simmer the mixture. Stir continuously for the first few hours to prevent sticking and maintain a smooth consistency. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, so be prepared and patient. Set up a cooking timer to help manage the long cook time.
5. If desired, add a little cooking oil during the cooking process to achieve a creamier texture.

Finishing Touches & Serving

1. Once the Samanu reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency, it's ready to be removed from the heat.
2. Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. This helps in enhancing the texture and flavor.
3. Serve Samanu in small bowls or spread it over bread as a sweet and nutritious snack.

How to Enjoy Samanu

Traditionally, Samanu is enjoyed during Nowruz with family and friends. It can be served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast spread. Its rich, malty flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Some enjoy it as a topping on yogurt or cereal, thereby integrating the health and sweetness of wheat into their diet in a delightful way.

Conclusion

Making Samanu requires time and patience, but the end result is a testament to its symbolism; prosperity, patience, and sweetness in life. This traditional dish is not just food; it is a celebration of culture and a connection to ancient traditions.