Kutya

Kutya is a ritual dish that begins the Christmas Eve dinner and season and an integral part of Svyata Vechera.  Although the true meaning of Kutya is unknown, folklore scholars believed that the originally Kutya was part of ancient religion and ritual offering to the Sun God.

There is also a popular legend about the Kutya.  While Joseph and Mary where fleeing Egypt, they passed a farmer sowing wheat.  On the same day, the soldiers pursing the couple, asked the farmer who told them truthfully he had seen them when he was sowing the wheat.  The soldiers gave up the pursuit as by miracle the wheat was full grown! Because of this legend, Kutya is served on Christmas Eve. 

My brother as a hobby farmer is organic and has just started selling his organic wheat to Tall Grasses at the Forks .. Check out the Christmas specials at Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company

Here is the recipe he sent me. 

KUTIA    КУТЯ

            2  c. Wheat chopped walnuts

  6  c. Water  honey

  1   c. Poppy Seed pinch of salt

Pick out any foreign bodies from the wheat.  Wash the wheat. Place wheat in a large container. Add 6 cups of water. Soak overnight. Do not drain water! Bring the wheat to boil and skim. Turn to low heat, cover and simmer  (until kernels burst open). Stir occasionally while wheat is cooking. 

Wash the poppy seeds. Drain the water. Scald and simmer for about 5 minutes.  Grind the poppy seeds using the finest blade on a food processor. Add the poppy seeds to the wheat; add sugar and honey to taste. Before serving add chopped nuts.  Enjoy 

Home of Halychanka Wheat, Zee valley Organic farm

When I make the Kutya, I follow how I saw my Mom prepare this dish. I remember my Mom cleaning the wheat by filling a bowl with water and picking out out the husks that floated to the top.  The wheat was then soaked in clean water overnight and again new water was added to cook the wheat, first brought to boil and then let simmer until the kernels are soft.  Check the water levels often so the wheat doesn't dry out.  The cooking time varies as to the wheat variety.  It can take most of the day or a couple of hours. The poppy seed is added half way through the cooking process.
When the wheat is cooked, add honey to taste!

I like the Kutya served warm, some do serve it cold!