Kutya

Kutya, a ritual dish, is an integral part of the Christmas Eve Supper. The origins of this dish goes back thousands of years when the early Ukrainian ancestors first cultivated wheat.

Kutya should be prepared several days ahead of time for flavour to develop. It keeps very well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so. Kutya is high in nutritional value and while traditionally only served during the Christmas cycle of holidays, in contemporary times is eaten any time.

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Ingredients

2 cups wheat kernels

3-4 quarts water

Water to cover

Salt to taste

1 cup honey

1/2 cup poppy seeds

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Soak wheat overnight, in water to soften.

The next day, simmer it in the same water, covered, for 4-6 hours.

Stir occasionally until tender and beginning to burst.

Add more water if necessary.

2. When kernels are done, stir in honey.

3. Scald 1/2 cup of poppy seeds in water. Cover, then drain. Grind in a blender,

chopper, or coffee or nut grinder.

4. Add poppy seeds and walnuts to the wheat. More honey can be added to taste. More water can be added if need be.

5. Serve warm or cold. It’s freezer-friendly and keeps in the refrigerator for weeks.

Serves 8-10.

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