Spiced Black Seed Breakfast Bowl with Honey and Milk Recipe
This warming breakfast bowl brings together the powerful flavour of black seeds with creamy milk and sweet honey, creating a nourishing start to your day that's both comforting and energising. The nutty barley flakes provide wonderful texture whilst cinnamon and cardamom add aromatic warmth that makes every bite absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- For the breakfast bowl:
- 240ml whole milk, or full-fat milk for richest flavour
- 50g barley flakes, or rolled oats if unavailable
- 1 teaspoon black seeds, lightly crushed using pestle and mortar (releases essential oils)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra pinch for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground if possible for best flavour)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances natural sweetness)
- For serving:
- 2 tablespoons raw honey, preferably dark and robust (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon whole black seeds for garnish
- Extra splash of milk if needed for desired consistency
Directions
Step 1
Prepare your black seeds by placing 1 teaspoon in a pestle and mortar, then gently crush them with a circular motion until they're just broken open but not powdered, this is crucial for releasing their aromatic oils without making them bitter. You'll know they're ready when you can smell their distinctive peppery, slightly oregano-like fragrance rising from the mortar. Set these aside whilst you prepare the rest of your ingredients, and don't be shy about giving them a good sniff, that's the sign of quality black seeds ready to work their magic.
Step 2
Pour your milk into a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin forming on the surface. Heat the milk gently for 2-3 minutes until it's steaming and just starting to show tiny bubbles around the edges, but absolutely don't let it boil, as this can change the texture and make it less creamy. This gentle heating is where the magic happens, creating the perfect base for your nourishing breakfast bowl.
Step 3
Add your barley flakes to the warm milk along with the crushed black seeds, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and that pinch of salt, then stir everything together with a wooden spoon using smooth, circular motions. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer very gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring every minute or so to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You're looking for the barley flakes to soften and absorb the spiced milk whilst releasing their natural starches, creating a porridge-like consistency that's creamy but still has lovely texture, if it's getting too thick, add a splash more milk.
Step 4
Once your barley flakes are tender and the mixture has thickened to a consistency somewhere between double cream and soft porridge, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 1 minute, this allows the flavours to settle and the texture to perfect itself. Give it a final stir, and if you prefer a looser consistency, now's the time to add an extra splash of milk and stir it through until you've got exactly the texture you love.
Step 5
Pour your spiced breakfast bowl into a serving bowl, making sure to scrape out every last bit of that flavourful mixture from the pan, you've earned it. Drizzle the honey generously over the top in a beautiful spiral pattern, letting it pool in places and sink into the warm cereal, creating pockets of golden sweetness throughout. Scatter the whole black seeds across the surface for a gorgeous visual contrast and an extra hit of that distinctive flavour, then finish with a light dusting of cinnamon that'll make the whole thing look absolutely restaurant-worthy.
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Milk
During the Night Journey, the Prophet ﷺ was presented two cups, one containing wine and the other containing milk. He looked at both and took the one containing milk.
Barley
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not eat his fill of barley bread for two days in a row until he died.
Black Seeds
Use this black seed. For indeed it contains a cure for every disease except death.
Honey
The Prophet ﷺ used to stay for a long while with Zainab bint Jahsh and drink honey at her house.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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