Best Ukrainian Christmas Kutya Kutia Recipes

Ukrainian Christmas Kutya image

Provided by Olha7397

Categories Grains

Time 4h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups cleaned wheat berries
3 -4 quarts water
1 cup cleaned poppy seed
1/3 cup honey
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup pecans

Steps:

Wash wheat in cold water and soak overnight in the 3 to 4 quarts of water.
The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy.
Chop the poppy seed in a food processor (or coffee grinder) (or you can buy ground poppy seeds in some deli's) and set aside.
Mix honey, sugar and hot water.
Mix the honey mixture, poppy seeds, and chopped nuts and wheat.
More honey can be added to taste.
Keep in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.1, Fat 12.6, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 11.8, Carbohydrate 33.5, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 30.9, Protein 4.3

Ukrainian Christmas Kutya ( Kutia) image

Provided by Olha7397

Categories Grains

Time 4h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups wheat berries, soaked in warm water for 24 hours, and then strained (kernels)
4 1/2 cups water (or more) or 4 1/2 cups milk (or more)
3/4 cup poppy seed
2/3 cup sliced roasted almonds or 2/3 cup walnuts
1/2 cup honey, to taste
2/3 cup chopped dried apricot (optional)
1/2 cup raisins
1 pinch salt, to taste
1 dash ground cinnamon

Steps:

In a medium pot, combine wheat kernels and milk.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 3 hours.
Add more liquid as necessary to keep kernels covered.
Scald the poppy seeds with boiling water, drain, and add lukewarm water to cover.
Soak 30 minutes, drain and grind in a food processor.
Set aside.
Drain water from wheat kernels and keep 1/2 cup of the liquid.
Add the honey to the liquid and mix well.
Mix kernels, honey, ground poppy seeds, almonds, apricots, raisins, and salt.
Bake in a 2-quart casserole dish, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.
Kutia may be served warm or chilled, and sprinkled with cinnamon, but it is best when prepared several days ahead of time in order for the full flavor to develop.
Kutia can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.