Ukrainian Christmas Kutya ( Kutia)

Ingredients

• •1 1/2 cups wheat berries, soaked in warm water for 24 hours, and then strained (kernels)
• •4 1/2 cups water or
• •milk (or more)
• •3/4 cup poppy seed
• •2/3 cup sliced roasted almonds or
• •walnuts
• •1/2 cup honey, to taste
• •2/3 cup chopped dried apricot (optional)
• •1/2 cup raisins
• •1 pinch salt, to taste
• •1 dash ground cinnamon

Directions

1. 11
2. 2In a medium pot, combine wheat kernels and milk.
3. 32
4. 4Bring to a boil.
5. 53
6. 6Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 3 hours.
7. 74
8. 8Add more liquid as necessary to keep kernels covered.
9. 95
10. 10Scald the poppy seeds with boiling water, drain, and add lukewarm water to cover.
11. 116
12. 12Soak 30 minutes, drain and grind in a food processor.
13. 137
14. 14Set aside.
15. 158
16. 16Drain water from wheat kernels and keep 1/2 cup of the liquid.
17. 179
18. 18Add the honey to the liquid and mix well.
19. 1910
20. 20Mix kernels, honey, ground poppy seeds, almonds, apricots, raisins, and salt.
21. 2111
22. 22Bake in a 2-quart casserole dish, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.
23. 2312
24. 24Kutia
25. 25may be served warm or chilled, and sprinkled with cinnamon, but it is
26. 26best when prepared several days ahead of time in order for the full
27. 27flavor to develop.
28. 2813
29. 29Kutia can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.