Belarusian Kutsia Recipe
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Loading... - Carmen Espina
- 19 Mar 2025
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Kutsia is a traditional Belarusian dish often served during Christmas Eve celebrations. It is a sweet grain pudding made from wheat or rice, mixed with poppy seeds, honey, and nuts. This dish symbolizes prosperity and is a staple in many Eastern European cultures. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries (or rice)
- 4 cups water (for cooking the wheat)
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work well)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Dried fruits (optional, such as raisins or dried apricots)
Instructions
- Rinse the wheat berries under cold water to remove any impurities.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed wheat and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the wheat is tender. If using rice, follow the package instructions for cooking.
- While the wheat is cooking, rinse the poppy seeds under cold water.
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the poppy seeds. Boil for about 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Once the wheat is cooked, drain any excess water if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat, poppy seeds, honey, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- If you like, you can add dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dried apricots for added sweetness and texture.
- Kutsia can be served warm or chilled. Traditionally, it is placed in a decorative bowl and garnished with additional nuts or dried fruits on top.
- Enjoy it as a dessert or as part of a festive meal.
Kutsia is not only delicious but also carries cultural significance, making it a wonderful dish to share with family and friends during special occasions.
