Kutia Recipe
Ukrainian · Dessert · 105 min total
A traditional Ukrainian Christmas porridge made from wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, and nuts, symbolizing prosperity and unity.
15
min prep
min prep
90
min cook
min cook
8
servings
servings
280
kcal/serving
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat berries (or hulled wheat)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup honey (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse wheat berries and soak in cold water overnight (or at least 8 hours). Drain.
- In a medium pot, combine soaked wheat berries and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-90 minutes until wheat is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and let cool.
- While wheat cooks, pour boiling water over poppy seeds to cover, let sit for 30 minutes, then drain. Grind poppy seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they release their oils and become paste-like.
- Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Chop coarsely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked wheat, ground poppy seeds, honey, salt, vanilla, nuts, raisins, and dried cranberries. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, substitute part of the water with milk or plant-based milk when cooking the wheat.
- Kutia can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
- Traditionally, kutia is served as the first course of the Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner (Sviata Vecheria).
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