Ukraine80 min
Medium80 min
Traditional Ukrainian Kutia
Prep30 min
Cook180 min
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
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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Prepare the wheat
Rinse the whole wheat under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and ensures well-separated grains after cooking.
Cook the wheat
In a large pot, bring 1 liter of salted water to a boil. Add the rinsed wheat and reduce to medium-low heat. Let simmer covered for 2 to 3 hours until the grains are tender and burst. Add water as needed.
Prepare the poppy seeds
While the wheat cooks, soak the poppy seeds in boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain, then grind with a mortar, coffee grinder, or food processor until you get a milky paste. This step gives kutia its characteristic creamy texture.
Rehydrate dried fruits
Soak the raisins in warm water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Cut the dried apricots into small pieces.
Chop the nuts
Coarsely chop the walnuts. You can also lightly toast them in a dry pan to intensify their flavor.
Drain the wheat
Once the wheat is tender, drain it while reserving some of the cooking liquid (about 60 ml). Let cool for a few minutes.
Assemble the kutia
In a large bowl, mix the warm wheat with the ground poppy seed paste. Add the honey and mix well. Incorporate the nuts, raisins, apricots, and vanilla. Adjust consistency with the reserved cooking liquid if needed.
Let it rest
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. The flavors will develop and harmonize over time. Serve cold or at room temperature.
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To Conclude
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! 🌾
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questions about this recipe
Yes, kutia is ideally prepared 1-2 days ahead. The flavors develop and harmonize over time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
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