Kutia (Ukrainian Wheat Berry Pudding)

Kutia is only made for Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner when there will be 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. When the first star appears, the meal begins with kutia, cooked wheat with honey and poppy seeds. Kutia represents peace, prosperity, and good health.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr
• Total Time: 4 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 240 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup poppy seeds
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup wheat berries

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Wash wheat well. Place in a heavy pot, add water, and soak for 8 hours, or overnight. Do not drain.

Step 2

Sprinkle salt into wheat berries. Bring to a boil; skimming the top as needed. Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer until berries pop open, 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Wash the poppy seeds. Scald and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain.

Step 4

Transfer to a coffee grinder and grind well.

Step 5

Combine poppy seeds, honey, and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir into wheat. Cool, about 5 minutes. Add walnuts before serving.