Kutia Recipe (Sweet Wheat Berry Pudding)

Kutia is a traditional and hearty dessert, typically served during the holiday season or special occasions. This sweet wheat berry pudding is rich in flavor, made with hearty wheat berries, milk, poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits like raisins and apricots. It’s a comforting dish with a perfect blend of textures from the tender wheat berries, creamy milk, and crunchy toasted nuts. Often associated with Eastern European and Slavic cultures, Kutia is known for its historical significance and is enjoyed warm or chilled. This easy-to-make dessert is a crowd favorite, and it’s perfect for festive meals or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups wheat berries (Hard White Winter Wheat Berries)
• 4 1/2 cups milk (or water, but milk adds more flavor)
• 3/4 cup poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2/3 cup slivered almonds (or chopped walnuts)
• 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the wheat berries under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with lukewarm water. Soak the wheat berries overnight, ensuring the water is at least 2 inches above the wheat berries.
2. The next day, drain the wheat berries and transfer them to a medium-sized heavy pot. Cover with 4 1/2 cups of milk, bring to a boil over high heat. Once the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more milk as necessary to keep the wheat berries submerged.
3. While the wheat berries cook, rinse the poppy seeds thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve. Drain them well, and transfer them to a saucepan. Add 3 cups of water, bring to a simmer over medium heat (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and let the poppy seeds sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, return to a simmer for another 30 minutes. Drain well and grind the poppy seeds using a food grinder or coffee grinder.
4. Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Spread the slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325˚F.
5. Once the wheat berries are tender, drain the excess milk into a glass measuring cup. Keep 1/2 cup of the milk and discard the rest. Combine the honey with the saved milk and stir until blended.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries, ground poppy seeds, raisins, chopped apricots, toasted almonds, honey-milk mixture, and salt. Mix everything together and transfer to a casserole or pie dish.
7. Bake the kutia uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 325˚F.
8. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. The flavors improve as it sits, and it will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

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Tips

• Soak the wheat berries overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Use full-fat milk for a richer flavor, but water can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Grinding the poppy seeds helps release their flavor. If you don’t have a food grinder, a coffee grinder works just as well.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Swap slivered almonds for chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor.
• Fruits: Add other dried fruits like dried figs, prunes, or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Sweeteners: Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different level of sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Kutia can be prepared a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

Can I use something other than milk?
Yes, you can substitute water or a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Can I freeze kutia?
Kutia can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Serve kutia as a warm or cold dessert during the holidays or as part of a festive meal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also garnish with extra toasted nuts or fresh fruits for added texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kutia is a unique, flavorful dessert with a rich history and cultural significance, particularly during special occasions like Christmas and Easter. With a combination of creamy milk, sweet honey, and nutty poppy seeds, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or chilled!