Ukrainian Christmas Kutya Kutia
Celebrate tradition and flavor with Ukrainian Christmas Kutya (Kutia), a cherished holiday dish brimming with wholesome ingredients and rich symbolism. This classic recipe combines tender wheat berries, nutty ground poppy seeds, crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, and golden honey to create a hearty and naturally sweet treat that's perfect for festive gatherings. Soaked raisins and poppy seeds lend the dish a delightful texture, while optional cream or milk adds a creamy twist for those who prefer a richer version. Traditionally served as the first dish during a Ukrainian Christmas feast, this kutya is a beautiful blend of simplicity and depth. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it's more than a recipe—it's a culinary connection to generations of holiday traditions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup poppy seeds
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 0.5 cup raisins (golden or regular)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups water (for soaking poppy seeds and raisins)
- 2 tablespoons optional sugar
- 0.25 cup optional cream or milk
Instructions
Rinse the wheat berries under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the wheat berries and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the wheat berries are tender but still slightly chewy. Drain and set aside to cool.
Place the poppy seeds in a bowl and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Drain and grind them using a food processor or mortar and pestle until they have a paste-like consistency.
While the poppy seeds soak, soak the raisins in 1 cup of warm water for 15-20 minutes to plump them up. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries, ground poppy seeds, chopped walnuts, soaked raisins, and honey. Mix well to combine.
Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness with additional honey or sugar if desired.
For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of cream or milk (optional).
Cover the bowl and let the kutya sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve cold or at room temperature as part of your Ukrainian Christmas feast. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2828 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.9 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 89 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 374.4 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.1 g | 197% | |
| Total Sugars | 160.0 g | ||
| Protein | 69.8 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1327 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 20.9 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 2816 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
