Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the wheat berries and soak them in water overnight.
2. Drain the wheat berries and place them in a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the wheat berries are tender.
3. While the wheat berries are cooking, toast the poppy seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Drain the cooked wheat berries and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the toasted poppy seeds, honey, chopped walnuts, raisins, chopped dried apricots, chopped dried figs, and salt. Mix well.
5. Transfer the kutia to a serving dish and garnish with additional chopped walnuts and poppy seeds, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use barley instead of wheat berries.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey.
- You can use almonds instead of walnuts.
- You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
Variations:
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- You can add chopped apples or pears for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to soak the wheat berries overnight to ensure they cook evenly.
- Toasting the poppy seeds brings out their flavor and aroma.
- You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a decorative bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts and poppy seeds.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Poppy seeds
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the wheat berries are not tender after 2-3 hours of cooking, add more water and continue cooking until they are soft.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the wheat berries before soaking and cooking them.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Kutia is a traditional Ukrainian dish that is typically served during Christmas Eve dinner.
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty, sweet, and slightly crunchy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or as part of a larger meal.
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Region: Polish