🇱🇾 Libyan Cuisine

Asida

Sweet Wheat Porridge

Prep Time 25 min
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Calories 382 kcal

A smooth dome of cooked wheat flour drenched in date syrup and melted butter, eaten communally by hand. This ancient Libyan comfort food is pure, elemental sustenance.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • 3 cups water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 4 tbsp date syrup (rub)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring water with a pinch of salt to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed pot.
  2. 2 Add flour gradually while stirring vigorously and continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
  3. 3 Keep stirring over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture is very thick, smooth, and pulls away from the pot sides.
  4. 4 Shape into a smooth dome on a round plate using an oiled spoon, pressing the surface until even.
  5. 5 Make a well in the center of the dome and pour in melted butter, then drizzle date syrup generously over the entire surface.
  6. 6 Serve warm immediately, eating communally by pinching off pieces and dipping into the pooled butter and syrup.

Did You Know?

Asida is the first food offered to a new mother in Libya, believed to restore her strength and bring good fortune to the newborn.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/libyan/asida/