If you are looking for sweet wheat pearl recipes, try out 'bubur gandum'. Bubur gandum is the Malay term for wheat porridge. It is a dessert well known in Singapore and Malaysia. Within the Chinese community, this delicious dessert is known as ‘mak chuk’. Just like many Southeast Asian desserts, this wheat porridge is vegan-friendly. You'd love it if you love coconut milk.
What are wheat pearls or wheat berries?
Wheat pearls or wheat berries are produced from whole wheat kernels. They are sold dry and must be soaked before using.
You can find them at the Asian grocers or speciality health stores. Look for wheat pearls which are peeled and polished. While learning about wheat pearls, I found they are often used in European meals especially in savoury dishes. How interesting!
Adding a pinch of salt
When using coconut milk in a dish, be it sweet or savoury, adding a pinch of salt will help to enhance the taste.
Thicker consistency of wheat porridge
You may have noticed that I made the porridge slightly diluted compared to the norm. You can thicken the dessert with some corn starch or boil it until the water is very much reduced. However, please note that the dessert thickens when it cools down.
I enjoy the chewy texture of the wheat pearls along with the sweetness of the coconut milk. Wheat pearls do a great job in soaking up the coconut milk, thus making them a delight to savour. What I really love is the aroma of the screwpine leaves or 'pandan' leaves which lingers lightly in the dessert. I personally enjoy this dessert cold but if you are experiencing a chilly or cold weather, a bowl of warm wheat porridge dessert would surely brings comfort and a smile to your face.