Ukrainian Kutia with Poppy Seeds and Honey

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Kutia is a Ukrainian Christmas dish made with cooked wheat, poppy seeds, honey, nuts and dried fruit. Soak the wheat overnight and simmer until tender; cooking time depends on the type of wheat berry. Grind the soaked poppy seeds until milky, then mix them into the cooled wheat with honey and fruit. Serve slightly warm or chilled, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Rinse wheat berries and soak in plenty of cold water overnight. Drain. Place wheat in a saucepan with fresh water and a pinch of salt. Simmer 60 to 90 minutes, adding water as needed, until tender but intact. Drain excess liquid and cool until warm. Cover poppy seeds with boiling water 15 minutes. Drain very well, then grind in a food processor or mortar until the seeds release a milky paste.

Recipe card

Ukrainian Kutia with Poppy Seeds and Honey

Traditional-style wheat kutia with ground poppy seeds, honey, walnuts and raisins.

Prep 15 minCook 90 minTotal 645 minYield 6 servings

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method

Ingredients

200 g whole wheat berries 1 l water, plus soaking water 100 g poppy seeds 3 tbsp honey 80 g chopped walnuts 50 g raisins 50 g dried fruit or candied peel, optional 1 pinch fine salt 2 tbsp warm water or wheat cooking liquid

Instructions

1. Soak wheat

   Rinse wheat berries and soak in plenty of cold water overnight. Drain.

2. Cook wheat

   Place wheat in a saucepan with fresh water and a pinch of salt. Simmer 60 to 90 minutes, adding water as needed, until tender but intact. Drain excess liquid and cool until warm.

3. Soften poppy seeds

   Cover poppy seeds with boiling water 15 minutes. Drain very well, then grind in a food processor or mortar until the seeds release a milky paste.

4. Mix kutia

   Stir honey with warm water or a little wheat cooking liquid. Combine wheat, poppy paste, honey, walnuts and raisins.

5. Rest and serve

   Let stand 20 minutes for flavours to blend. Serve warm or chilled.

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How to tell when it is ready

Let stand 20 minutes for flavours to blend. Serve warm or chilled.

Tips

• Rinse wheat berries and soak in plenty of cold water overnight.
• Place wheat in a saucepan with fresh water and a pinch of salt.
• Cover poppy seeds with boiling water 15 minutes.
• Stir honey with warm water or a little wheat cooking liquid.

Troubleshooting

• If wheat is still chewy, simmer longer and add water.
• If kutia is dry, loosen it with warm water or wheat cooking liquid.

Substitutions

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
• Use hazelnuts instead of walnuts.

Variations

• Add chopped dried apricots.
• Use a little cinnamon.

Serving suggestions

• Serve as part of a Christmas Eve meal.
• Add orange zest.
• Offer extra chopped walnuts.
• Serve with dried fruit compote.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate covered within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Serve cold or gently warmed.

Storage

Refrigerate covered within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Serve cold or gently warmed.

Food safety

Cool cooked wheat promptly and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make kutia ahead?

Yes. Make it a day ahead and refrigerate. Add a little warm water or honey before serving if it has thickened.

How should I store ukrainian kutia with poppy seeds and honey?

Refrigerate covered within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Serve cold or gently warmed.

Serve as part of a Christmas Eve meal. Refrigerate covered within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Serve cold or gently warmed.