Trahana is a nutritious soup preparation, which is made by sour milk, cracked wheat, lemon juice and yogurt. Trahana is known by various names such as tarhana, tarkineh, tarhana, kishk and kushk.This dish is popular in various cuisines and is prepared differently. The ingredients undergo a process of fermentation and thus it takes several days to prepare this soup. Enriched with nutrition, Trahana is also referred to as “the world’s oldest instant soup”.
History And Origin of Trahana
TrahanaThe dish has a vast history associated with it. Some studies consider that the dish belongs to Greek origin as there is a mention of this dish in 1st century CE while few have the opinion that Trahana originated in Persia. The mention of this dish was done by Al Zamakshari in his dictionary in 11th century. Trahana has been quoted as “tarkhina” which means “soaked food” in Persian.
In Greece, the dish was popular with shepherds as it was a quick food which could be easily prepared by adding boiled water. It was also easy to carry and made a nourishing meal.
Method Of Preparation And Ingredients Used: Trahana Recipe
The ingredients needed for Trahana recipe are milk, sea salt, and cracked wheat. The milk is boiled and salt is added to it. The milk with salt is covered with a clean cloth and kept under the sun. The milk is left there for few days. The bubbles start forming in few days. When the milk turns sour, it is cooked in a pan and cracked wheat is added. The soup is stirred until it gets thick. The pan with the soup is left overnight. The next morning the mixture is made into small cakes and kept in a tray under the sun for drying. Once dried, these Trahanas are served.
Variations In Trahana Recipe
In Turkey, Trahana is made of cracked wheat, yogurt and vegetables. The Cyprus version of this dish is one of the cryptic specialty and is topped with Haloumi cheese before serving.
The local version of Trahana recipe in Crete is called Xinohondro and is made by soaking bulgar in buttermilk.
In Lesvos, the dish is prepared by soaking bulgar in sour milk and then shaping it in small cups.
Greeks prepare sour Trahana by using wheat with tomatoes.
Nutritional Value: Trahana Recipe
Trahana is rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins and many minerals.
