Breakfast
Smooth Semolina Porridge (Mannaya Kasha)
Mannaya kasha, semolina porridge cooked in milk, is a classic Russian breakfast, and it comes in two versions: silky and smooth, or lumpy and loved by nobody. The difference is all in the technique. Pour the semolina into hot milk in a thin stream while whisking constantly, and every grain swells separately. For a medium consistency you need about 40 g of semolina per 500 ml of milk. It looks thin while hot but thickens in the bowl. The whole thing takes 10 minutes.
Method
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Rinse a heavy-based saucepan with cold water, which helps stop the milk catching.
Add the milk, sugar and salt and bring to the boil over medium heat, stirring.
As soon as the milk starts to rise, turn the heat down to low.
Whisk the milk in circles with one hand and pour in the semolina in a very thin stream with the other. It takes 30-40 seconds.
Keep whisking and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until the porridge starts to thicken.
Take off the heat, cover and leave for 5 minutes to finish.
Stir in the butter and serve.
Tips for success
- Lumps form when the semolina goes in all at once or you stop stirring. Alternatively, mix the semolina into cold milk and then heat it, stirring constantly.
- Do not cook longer than 3 minutes, semolina cooks fast and long boiling makes it gluey.
- It thickens as it cools, so take it off the heat a little thinner than you want it.
- If lumps do appear, blitz with a stick blender for 10 seconds.
Serving and storage
Serve hot with a knob of butter. Top with jam, honey, fresh berries, sliced banana or a pinch of cinnamon.
Best fresh. It keeps in the fridge for a day; reheat with a couple of spoonfuls of milk, stirring constantly.
Variations
- Layered: spoon porridge, jam and chopped nuts in layers for a simple take on Guryev porridge.
- Chocolate: add 1 tablespoon cocoa to the milk with the sugar.
- Vanilla berry: vanilla sugar in the milk and a handful of berries on top.
Calories and macros
Per serving (about 285 g):
Per 100 g: 99 kcal, P 3.2, F 4.4, C 11.7. An estimate based on average ingredient values. Your daily calories ›
