Time traveling with desserts: A brief history of semolina pudding

The sweet temptation of semolina pudding is simply unmatched.

Diving into the history of pudding is rather complicated as we found out during our research for this brand-new dessert piece. However, our love for puddings in general and semolina pudding in particular superseded our discomfort for researching more about it. And, so, here we are yet again with the best of what we know about it. Now, why we said that pudding has an intricate history earlier is because the term has been used to refer to a wide variety of meals over time. For instance, custard is more closely connected to the rich, creamy pudding that most Americans associate with it today. Meanwhile, custard has a history of its own. Eventually, pudding took a different, but parallel route that eventually met custard in America during the 1800s.

Most culinary historians concur that the first puddings prepared by prehistoric chefs produced dishes resembling sausages. In fact, believe us if you will, pudding is actually considered a part of British culinary tradition. Black and white medieval puddings continued to be mostly made with meat. English puddings from the 17th century were usually cooked in special pudding bags and could be either savoury (based on meat) or sweet (flour, nuts and sugar). Most likely, pease meal was simply cooked into a pudding, which is what most of us remember as 'pease porridge' from the classic nursery rhyme.

As is the nature of things, puddings changed and how! Towards the end of the 18th century, meat was no longer a component in traditional English puddings. Puddings in the 19th century were still cooked, but they turned out more like cake. Even now, during the Christmas season, these puddings are traditionally offered. One such example is plum pudding, sometimes known as Christmas pudding. This custom is where modern steamed puddings have their start. What's interesting is that there are no plums in plum pudding! Because dried plums or prunes were so widely consumed, products containing dried fruits were called "plum puddings".

Enough has been said about the history and culture of pudding already. So, where did this now famous semolina pudding come into the picture from? Let’s find out. Roughly dating to the 4th century AD, Apicius' recipe book mentions a semolina porridge cooked with farina combined with almonds, raisins, and raisin wine. More commonly known as hasty pudding among food historians, the semolina pudding originated from mediaeval grain pottages. Both wealthy and impoverished people's tummies were full from these easy, satisfying, and speedily prepared dishes. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this phrase (semolina pudding) first appeared in print in 1599 in Britain to describe a sweet milk custard prepared with wheat and semolina. Although the precise components differ depending on the location, it is essentially a type of porridge cooked with milk and crushed or ground cereal grains.

Additionally, semolina pudding's origins in Europe may be traced to the Roman Empire's growth. Over time, other locations created their own versions. Unsurprisingly, semolina pudding is considered a global dessert. For instance, "semolino dolce al latte" is an Italian dish that is delicious semolina pudding flavored with either vanilla or lemon zest. In Greece, semolina was cooked with sugar, water, and other flavorings like orange blossom water or cinnamon to make a dessert known as "halvas". In fact, it was customary in some mid-European nations to serve semolina porridge for lunch or dinner. However, every mid-European nation, including Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, and Hungary, has a unique take on the semolina pudding, which is prepared by boiling the grain with either milk or a mixture of milk and water. To improve the pudding's flavor and richness, ingredients such as eggs, butter, and cream were frequently used. Various versions were also made using nuts, fruits, and spices. It's known as krupičná kaše (also known as krupicová kaše) in the Czech Republic, krupicová kaša in Slovakia, Grießkoch in Austria, Grießbrei in Germany, kaša iz pšeničnega zdroba in Slovenia, and griz in Croatia. It is referred to as griș cu lapte in Romania. This meal is referred to as "stejbegríz or tejbedara” by Hungarians implying “semolina in milk”, while the dish is called manų košė in Lithuanian.

Sheera, also known as India's Golden Pudding, is a popular delicacy made from semolina. This golden pudding, also called Suji ka Halwa, is a staple of Indian festivities and religious occasions. Sheera, which is made with ghee, sugar, and semolina and decorated with raisins and almonds, is a representation of happiness and wealth. Commonly served during festivals and other special celebrations in India, it is also known as semolina porridge. Comparable to halwa made from grains, you may also make it with a consistency more like rice pudding by baking it instead of boiling it. You can also mix kesar or saffron strands for added color and flavor. To make this Indian pudding, toast the semolina in a skillet with hot ghee until it turns golden brown, add the saffron threads to boiling water in a different pan followed by adding the toasted semolina and simmer until it thickens, stir in cardamom powder and sugar, garnish with nuts and serve either hot or cold as you prefer.

The taste of the dish can be improved by roasting the semolina in ghee. You may change the amount of sugar added to the pudding to alter its sweetness or add some condensed milk for a fuller flavor. Moreover, you can store this pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days and/or refrigerate it even if you would want to extend its shelf life. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the kitchen, take out your cooking essentials and get started with trying the wide and varied versions of this sumptuous dessert in the comfort of your kitchen. Maybe put your own chocolatey spin on it by adding some Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate shavings! Perhaps even invite some close friends or cousins for an intimate Christmas house party as you cook together, crack jokes and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones by digging into the comforting embrace of semolina pudding.