Every December 4th, for the past 2000 years, Arab and Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of Santa Barbara with this very special porridge, called Burbarrah, the Arabic name for Barbara. Greek orthodox Christians celebrate this day on December 16th. What was so special about Saint Barbara? Barbara’s story, originating in Baalbek Lebanon, was that she…… Continue reading Burburrah, The 2000 Year Old Pre-Christmas Recipe!
Tag: porridge
The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!
While I don’t subscribe to any rigid dietary protocol, I do follow the mantra of “eat what your grandparents ate” for optimum health. Not only did my grandparents eat the ancient grain called freekeh, but their ancestors ate this grain for hundreds of years. Freekeh is wheat that is harvested when it’s young, so the…… Continue reading The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!
Burbara–Middle Eastern Wheat Berry Porridge!
This isn’t your typical porridge… December marks one of my favorite food traditions in my family–the feast of Santa Barbara. Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese Christians celebrate this feast every year beginning on December 4 for Roman Catholics, and December 16th for Greek Orthodox Christians. They commemorate this holiday by making a sweet dish called Burbarah…… Continue reading Burbara–Middle Eastern Wheat Berry Porridge!