How to Make Žito sa Šlagom (Serbian Wheat Pudding) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Žito sa šlagom, or Serbian wheat pudding, is a traditional dessert that is popular in the Balkan region. This creamy and delicious dish is made with simple ingredients like wheat, sugar, and milk, and is often topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It is a comforting and satisfying treat that is perfect for serving at the end of a meal.

The origins of this dessert can be traced back to the rural areas of Serbia, where wheat was a staple crop. It was often used in various dishes, includ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat berries
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ cups chopped walnuts
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons blanched slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup cold heavy whipping cream

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 9 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 24

  • Make the pudding: Place wheat berries in a 3-quart saucepan; add boiling water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil. Let boil for 15 seconds, then drain and discard the water. Repeat five times: add boiling water, bring to a boil, boil for 15 seconds, drain.
  • Cover wheat berries again by 2 inches with boiling water. Stir in salt and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 seconds, then remove from the heat without draining. Place the pan on a folded blanket, cover, and wrap with towels or blankets. Let sit at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight.
  • The next day, drain any water that hasn't been absorbed. Grind wheat berries thoroughly in a food processor. (If you use a blender, work in very small batches.) Transfer ground wheat to a bowl and clean the food processor.
  • Grind walnuts in the food processor until fine. Add confectioners' sugar and process until mixture resembles fine meal. Add ground wheat and pulse until well combined.
  • Spoon pudding into a glass trifle bowl or serving dish. Stick slivered almonds into pudding to resemble a porcupine.
  • Make the topping: Beat cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  • Serve pudding in 2-tablespoon portions in small decorative bowls or custard cups. Top each serving with whipped cream.
  • Nutrition

    86 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 2mg
    • Sodium: 6mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 10mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 50mg