Mannavaht
Berry Semolina Mousse
Mannavaht is a light and airy Estonian dessert made from semolina and fruit juice, often berries. It's whipped to a frothy consistency, creating a delicate mousse that is typically served chilled with milk.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1 liter Fruit juice (e.g., cranberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)(Use a concentrated juice or a blend of juice and water to make 1 liter total liquid.)
- 0.5 cup Sugar(Adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of the juice.)
- 0.75 cup Semolina (fine)
- for serving Cold milk
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the fruit juice and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- 2
Gradually whisk in the semolina, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
- 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a bowl.
- 4
Once cooled to room temperature, whisk the mixture vigorously (using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment is ideal) until it becomes light, fluffy, and increases in volume, resembling a mousse.
๐ก Tip: Whipping for longer will result in a lighter, airier texture. - 5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- 6
Serve the chilled mannavaht in bowls, with a generous pour of cold milk.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe type of fruit juice significantly impacts the flavor; traditional choices include cranberry, raspberry, or redcurrant.
- โFor a smoother texture, you can strain the berries through a sieve before adding the semolina if using fresh or whole fruit.
- โEnsure the mixture is not boiling hot when you start whipping, as this can affect the texture.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of vanilla sugar or a strip of lemon zest while cooking for added flavor.
- Experiment with different berry juices or even concentrated fruit purees.
- Some recipes suggest adding a splash of Vana Tallinn liqueur for an adult twist.