Hearty Kutia Recipe: A Traditional Orthodox New Year Dish

A Sweet Orthodox New Year Wheat Berry Dish– Hearty Kutia is a traditional and flavorful dessert often enjoyed during Orthodox New Year celebrations. This dish is made with tender wheat berries, sweet honey, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts, which symbolizes prosperity and remembrance.

Adding poppy seeds and a touch of cinnamon gives it a unique flavor, while the creamy texture from optional milk or cream adds richness.

Whether served warm or chilled, Kutia offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a meaningful and delicious dish to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday season.

Hearty Kutia Recipe

Recipe by Lifted MeCourse: Eastern EuropeanCuisine: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

• Wheat berries (or barley/quinoa for a gluten-free version) – 1 cup

• Honey or maple syrup – 1/4 cup

• Raisins – 1/4 cup

• Dried apricots (chopped) – 1/4 cup

• Pomegranate seeds (optional garnish) – 1/4 cup

• Walnuts (chopped) – 1/4 cup

• Almonds or hazelnuts (optional, chopped) – 1/4 cup

• Poppy seeds (soaked, optional) – 2 tbsp

• Heavy cream or milk (optional) – 1/4 cup

• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

• Cinnamon (ground) – 1/2 tsp

• Water – 4 cups (for boiling)

• Warm water (for soaking fruits) – 1/2 cup

• Orange zest (grated, optional) – 1 tsp

• Pinch of salt – 1/4 tsp

Directions

• Soak the Wheat Berries
• Rinse the wheat berries under cold water. Soak them in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain before cooking.
• Cook the Wheat Berries
• In a large pot, add the soaked wheat berries and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, or until the wheat berries are tender but still slightly chewy. If using barley or quinoa, adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts
• While the wheat berries are cooking, soak the dried fruits (raisins, apricots) in 1/2 cup of warm water for 15–20 minutes to soften them.
• If you haven’t already, chop the walnuts, almonds, and any other nuts or seeds you’re using.
• Combine the Ingredients
• Once the wheat berries are fully cooked, drain any excess water.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries with the soaked dried fruits, nuts, and poppy seeds (if using).
• Sweeten and Flavor
• Stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
• Add Optional Cream or Milk
• If you’re using heavy cream or milk, gently stir it into the mixture to create a creamier texture.
• Garnish and Serve
• Optionally, top with pomegranate seeds, orange zest, or any additional nuts for garnish.
• Serve warm or chilled as a festive dish for Orthodox New Year.
• Enjoy your delicious Hearty Kutia as a symbol of prosperity and spiritual reflection for the New Year!

Notes

• Recipe Notes
  For a nut-free version, replace nuts with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds). Substitute wheat berries with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
• Equipment
  Large pot, fine-mesh sieve, mixing bowl, wooden spoon
• Dietaries
  Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if gluten-free grains are used)
• Cooking Methods
  Boiling, Mixing

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Hearty Kutia: A Sweet Orthodox New Year Wheat Berry Dish:

1. Can I make Kutia ahead of time?

Yes, Kutia can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just stir it before serving.

2. Is Kutia gluten-free?

Traditional Kutia is made with wheat berries, which contain gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the wheat berries with quinoa or gluten-free grains, such as rice or millet.

3. Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins and apricots?

Absolutely! You can customize your Kutia with different dried fruits such as figs, dates, cranberries, or prunes. The choice of dried fruit depends on your taste preferences.

4. Can I make Kutia without poppy seeds?

Yes, poppy seeds are optional in this recipe. If you prefer, you can skip them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture.

5. How can I make Kutia vegan?

To make Kutia vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, ensure that any dairy (such as cream or milk) is replaced with plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk.

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