Semolina pudding

Semolina pudding, also referred to as semolina porridge, is a delightful treat crafted by cooking semolina with milk or a mixture of milk and water. You can enhance it with various toppings such as sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, raisins, fruit, or syrup. For a texture akin to rice pudding, simply adjust the amount of semolina and consider baking it instead of boiling.

This comforting dish has been a European favorite since Roman times, with references dating back to the 4th century AD in the ancient cookbook of Apicius. Today, semolina pudding is available as an instant or ready-made convenience food, often enriched with cream, vanilla, fruit, spices, or artificial flavorings.

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is known as "krupičná kaše" or "krupicová kaše" and is typically served warm with cocoa, sugar, and melted butter. You might also find it topped with cinnamon, honey, or chocolate. In Romania, it is called "griș cu lapte" and can include jam, candied fruit, cinnamon, and raisins, served either warm or cold. The Hungarian version, "tejbegríz" or "tejbedara" is cooked with sugar, butter, and salt, and served warm with toppings like cocoa powder, cinnamon sugar, fruits, or jam. In Lithuania, it is referred to as "manų košė" and is usually prepared with water, milk, and sugar, then served warm with cinnamon, sugar, or jam.

These regional variations highlight the versatility of semolina pudding, making it a beloved and customizable dish enjoyed by many cultures.