This traditional Ukrainian dish always takes center stage on the festive table during Christmas Eve. Christmas kutya is a symbol of unity, abundance and spirituality. In different regions of Ukraine, kutya is prepared in its own way, but the basis remains the same – wheat, honey, poppy seeds and nuts. WomanEL offers several recipes that will allow you to choose the best option for Christmas.
ContentClassic wheat kutyaRice kutya for modern housewivesRich kutya with dried fruitsVegan kutyaChristmas kutya with ice waterTips for housewives 
Classic wheat kutia
This is the most common option, which is considered traditional:
- Ingredients: wheat, poppy seeds, honey, nuts and raisins.
- Preparation: wheat is thoroughly washed, boiled until tender, ground poppy seeds, honey, nuts and soaked raisins are added. Mix everything and serve chilled.
Rice Kutia for Modern Housewives
This recipe is suitable for those who do not have time to cook wheat, but want to preserve the essence of tradition.
- Ingredients: rice, poppy seeds, honey, raisins, walnuts.
- Preparation: rice is cooked until cooked, mixed with other ingredients. If desired, add a little cream for a delicate taste.
Rich kutya with dried fruits
This recipe is suitable for those who love to experiment:
- Ingredients: wheat or rice, prunes, dried apricots, dates, honey, poppy seeds, nuts.
- Preparation: the base is mixed with crushed dried fruits and honey is added. It is not only tasty, but also healthy.
Vegan kutya
Ideal for those who follow a fasting or vegan lifestyle:
- Ingredients: couscous, nut milk, honey or agave syrup, poppy seeds, nuts, raisins.
- Preparation: couscous is poured with nut milk, other ingredients are added. The result is a light and aromatic kutia.
Christmas Kutya with Ice Water
This ancient cooking method is found in Western Ukraine:
- Ingredients: wheat, honey, poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, ice water.
- Preparation: all ingredients are poured with very cold water, which gives the dish a special taste and refreshing texture.
Tips for housewives
- Use high-quality honey – it sets the main tone of the taste.
- It is better to grind poppy seeds in a makitra for a richer aroma.
- If you are cooking for the first time, try several recipes to find your perfect option.
Kutya is not only a delicacy, but also a talisman of family comfort, passed down from generation to generation. Prepare it with love, and Christmas will become even warmer and more joyful.
Also find out why stollen should be prepared in advance: proven Christmas cake recipes from Lisa Glinskaya.