Kutia is one of the most cherished dishes of the Ukrainian Christmas table. Sweet, symbolic, and nourishing, it has been part of our holiday traditions for centuries. Made with wheat, poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and dried fruits, kutia is not only food — it is a blessing shared with family.
This is an adapted recipe for those living in the United States, using ingredients that are easier to find here. And if you are reading this, it means you have chosen to preserve your family and national traditions, even far from home — for that, we are deeply grateful.
We also know how difficult it can be to find wheat berries in U.S. stores. That’s why, before Christmas, we will be adding wheat berries to our own product list at Ukrainian Flavors, with shipping available across the U.S. This way, preparing kutia will be a little easier for you and your family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat berries
- 3–4 cups water (for cooking the wheat)
- ½ cup poppy seeds
- ½ cup honey (or to taste)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (or almonds, pecans if preferred)
- ½ cup raisins (or dried cranberries, cherries, or mixed dried fruit)
- Pinch of salt
Optional additions: Orange or lemon zest
Instructions
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Cook the wheat berries
Rinse well and place in a pot with 3–4 cups water and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender but not mushy (about 1–1.5 hours). Drain extra water.
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Prepare the poppy seeds
Cover with boiling water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Grind them in a coffee grinder or food processor until they release a milky liquid.
You can also purchase a ready-made poppy seed mixture that doesn’t require soaking or any additional preparation.
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Combine everything
In a large bowl, mix cooked wheat with ground poppy seeds.
Add honey, nuts, and dried fruit. Stir gently. Adjust sweetness with more honey if you like.
You can also add some variety by pouring pre-cooked Uzvar over the kutia for a more authentic Ukrainian flavor.
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Serve
Kutia is traditionally served cool or at room temperature as the very first dish on Christmas Eve.
A Word from Ukrainian Flavors
For us, kutia is not just about taste — it is about keeping family traditions alive. Whether you are in Ukraine or far away in the U.S., this dish unites us with our roots and with each other. From our family at Ukrainian Flavors to yours — may your Christmas be filled with warmth, love, and the sweet blessings of kutia.
