Can wheat be substituted with something else?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, you can use spelt, pearl barley, or even rice for a more modern version. The taste will be slightly different but equally delicious.

How do I know if the wheat is cooked enough?

According to MenuCochon: The wheat is ready when the grains are tender and slightly burst, but not mushy. Taste a grain – it should be tender in the center without being pasty.

Why grind the poppy seeds?

According to MenuCochon: Grinding releases the natural oils from the poppy seeds, creating a creamy texture and characteristic nutty flavor. Without this step, the seeds would remain hard.

How long does kutia keep?

According to MenuCochon: Kutia keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze as the texture of the wheat would suffer.

What is the significance of kutia at Christmas?

According to MenuCochon: Kutia is the first dish served during Sviata Vecheria (Christmas Eve supper). The wheat symbolizes eternal life, the honey sweetness, and the poppy seeds the peaceful rest of ancestors.

Dessert Ukraine Holidays

Traditional Ukrainian Kutia

Name: Traditional Ukrainian Kutia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 330 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: ukrainienne
Ingredients: 250 g whole wheat flour (or spelt) (rinsed); 1 L water (for cooking); 1/2 tsp salt; 100 g flax seeds; 80 ml liquid honey (preferably beetroot honey); 60 g roughly chopped walnuts; 50 g golden raisins (rehydrated); 50 g diced dried apricots; 2 tbsp sugar (optional); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

December 20, 2025

|Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Traditional Ukrainian Kutia is much more than a simple dessert: it's an ancestral dish rich in symbolism, served during Christmas Eve (Sviata Vecheria) in Ukrainian families for centuries. This blend of wheat, honey, and poppy seeds represents hope, prosperity, and remembrance of ancestors.

Prepared with care and tradition, this authentic kutia recipe is the first dish served during Christmas Eve supper, even before the first star appears in the sky. The wheat symbolizes eternal life, the honey represents the sweetness of life, and the poppy seeds signify peaceful rest.

Whether you celebrate Christmas according to Orthodox tradition or simply want to discover this Ukrainian culinary treasure, this recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect, creamy, and fragrant kutia.

Preparation

Instructions

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Preparing the whole grain wheat
Rinse the entire whole grain wheat under cold water until the water is clear. This step removes excess starch and ensures separated grains after cooking.
Cooking the wheat
In a large saucepan, bring 1 liter of salted water to a boil. Add the rinsed wheat and reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer covered for 2 to 3 hours until grains are tender and split. Add water if necessary.
Preparing poppy seeds
While the wheat cooks, soak poppy seeds in boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain them and grind them with a mortar, coffee grinder or kitchen appliance until you obtain a creamy paste. This step gives kutia its characteristic creamy texture.
Rehydrating dried fruits
Soak the raisins in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain them and set aside. Cut the dried apricots into small pieces.
Chopping walnuts
Coarsely chop the walnuts. You can also lightly toast them in a dry pan to intensify their flavor.
Draining the wheat
Once the wheat is tender, drain it, reserving some of the cooking liquid (about 60 ml). Let it cool for a few minutes.
Assembling the kutia
In a large bowl, mix the warm wheat with the ground poppy seed paste. Add honey and stir well. Incorporate walnuts, raisins, dried apricots and vanilla. Adjust consistency with reserved cooking liquid if necessary.
Let rest
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. Flavors will harmonize and develop over time. Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

La kutia est un dessert simple mais chargé de symboles. Le blé représente la vie et la prospérité, le miel la douceur et l’harmonie.

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Serving Suggestions

Kutia is traditionally enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish to prepare the day before. The flavors develop and harmonize over time, making the dish even better the next day.

For an authentic presentation, serve kutia in a decorated ceramic bowl and accompany it with a glass of uzvar (Ukrainian dried fruit compote). This dessert keeps for several days in the refrigerator and can be prepared in large quantities for the holidays.

Merry Ukrainian Christmas – Веселого Різдва! 🌾