Ukrainian Christmas Kutya Recipe 🌟
Description: This dish, traditionally prepared for Ukrainian Christmas, should be made several days ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully. It’s a delightful combination of grains, nuts, and sweeteners, making it not only delicious but also very high in vitamins. Plus, it keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it perfect for festive meal prep!
- Cuisine: European 🌍
- Category: Grains 🌾
- Keywords: Christmas 🎄, European 🇪🇺, Weeknight 🌙
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 249.1
- Fat: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 11.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.5g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 30.9g
- Protein: 4.3g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Water |
| 3 – 4 | Poppy Seeds |
| 1 | Honey |
| 1/3 | Sugar |
| 2/3 | Hot Water |
| 1/2 | Walnuts |
| 1/2 | Pecans |
Instructions:
- Prepare Wheat:
- Wash the wheat in cold water and soak it overnight in 3 to 4 quarts of water.
- Cook Wheat:
- The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy.
- Prepare Poppy Seeds:
- Chop the poppy seeds in a food processor (or coffee grinder) until finely ground. Alternatively, you can purchase ground poppy seeds from some delis. Set aside.
- Prepare Honey Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, sugar, and hot water. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked wheat, ground poppy seeds, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, and the prepared honey mixture. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the kutya and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the kutya to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator.
- Allow it to chill for several hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve chilled kutya as a delightful and nutritious dish for Ukrainian Christmas or any festive occasion.
Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, you can toast the walnuts and pecans lightly before chopping them.
- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked wheat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Kutya can be served as a dessert or as part of the main meal, depending on your preference.
Prepare this Ukrainian Christmas Kutya ahead of time to savor its rich flavors and nutritional benefits, making it a beloved tradition for generations to come! 🎉
