Dessert

Traditional Kutya

Name: Traditional Kutya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: ukrainian
Ingredients: 240 g whole wheat berry rinsed, soaked overnight; 960 ml water; 60 g poppy seed; 120 ml hot water; 60 g walnut chopped; 60 g raisin; 45 g honey or maple syrup for vegan; 30 g almond sliced, for garnish (optional)

Kutya is a ceremonial grain pudding, traditionally served during Ukrainian Christmas Eve. This version is made with whole wheat berries, poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruit, sweetened with honey or maple syrup.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 7 hr 20 min
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 324 kcal

Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten, nuts, sulphites, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

240 gwhole wheat berry, rinsed, soaked overnight
60 gpoppy seed
60 gwalnut, chopped
60 graisin
45 ghoney, or maple syrup for vegan

for boiling

960 mlwater

for soaking poppy seeds

120 mlhot water

garnish

30 galmond, sliced, for garnish(optional)

Equipment

fine-mesh sieve · large bowl · medium pot

The method

Step by step

1
Rinse the whole wheat berries thoroughly under cold water.
About 2 min
2
Place the rinsed wheat berries in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water.
Cook’s note: Ensure the wheat berries are fully submerged.
3
Soak the wheat berries overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
About 6 hr
Cook’s note: Soaking helps to soften the grains and reduce cooking time.
4
Drain the soaked wheat berries and rinse them again.
About 1 min
5
Transfer the wheat berries to a medium pot and add the water for boiling.
6
Bring the wheat berries to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: The cooking time can vary depending on the wheat berries; check for tenderness.
7
While the wheat berries are cooking, place the poppy seeds in a small bowl and pour the hot water over them.
8
Let the poppy seeds soak for 15-20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: You can use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to drain the poppy seeds well.
9
Once the wheat berries are cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool completely.
About 10 min
10
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wheat berries, soaked poppy seeds, walnuts, raisins, and honey (or maple syrup).
About 2 min
11
Mix all ingredients well until evenly combined.
About 1 min
12
Serve traditional kutya chilled, garnished with sliced almonds if desired.
Cook’s note: For best flavor, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Per serving

Nutrition

75%Score

Calories: 323.8kcal
Protein: 9.7g
Carbs: 46.3g
Fat: 12.5g
Fibre: 6.7g
Sugar: 12.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover kutya in an airtight container in the refrigerator.