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Authentic Kutya | Kutia (Sweet Wheat Berry Pudding with Compote)

Viktoria Urmach
Kutya is a traditional holiday dish popular in Poland, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and made from simple, wholesome ingredients like wheat, poppy seeds, and honey, symbolizing family, love, and togetherness. Sweetened with honey and enriched with walnuts or raisins, it brings comfort, joy, and cherished memories to the table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Soaking Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Ukrainian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
 
 

  • 340 g wheat berries
  • 100 g poppy seeds
  • 100 g walnuts
  • 100 g raisins
  • 2-3 tbsp honey

For the compot (uzvar):

  • 200 g dried apples and pears
  • 150 g prunes
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1.5 l water

Instructions
 

  • Soak the wheat: For best results, soak wheat berries overnight in cold water. For a quicker method, soak in hot water 1–2 hours before cooking. Drain, add fresh water, and simmer until tender but slightly chewy (about 40 minutes). Drain well.
  • Prepare the poppy seeds: While the wheat is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Pour water over the poppy seeds, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover with a lid. Let the poppy seeds steep for 40-60 minutes. Drain the poppy seeds in a sieve to remove excess water. You can then grind the poppy seeds in a mortar or pass them through a blender. I personally prefer to ground the poppy seeds in a coffee grinder.
  • Prepare other ingredients: Soak the raisins in hot water for 30 minutes. Break walnuts into small pieces and lightly toast in a dry pan.
  • Make the compot (uzvar): If you've never tried Eastern European fruit compete, it resembles a concentrated, highly flavorful fruit drink. To make the compote, pour 1.5 liters (6 ⅓ cups) of water over the dried fruits and prunes and add sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in honey, cover, and let steep.
  • Assemble the kutya: In a large bowl, combine cooked wheat, ground poppy seeds, raisins, and walnuts. Sweeten with honey to taste. Add about 2 cups of uzvar for desired consistency (more or less to taste).
  • Serve: Traditionally served at room temperature.

Notes

Kutya
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