Eastern Christmas Wheat Berry Dessert - Kutia
The Eastern Christmas Eve, a holiday celebrated with loved ones, is upon us. This recipe takes me back to my childhood, specifically, to the Christmases at my parents' house. Last year, I shared the process of making Braided Bread, a family tradition. This year, I present to you a dish that has been a staple in our Christmas celebration, the Kutia or Boiled Wheat.
You can enjoy this versatile dessert throughout the year. Rich in whole grains, it's highly recommended for those seeking a balanced diet. The beauty of this dessert lies in its adaptability - it can be sweetened and garnished with an array of ingredients like sugar, honey, sweeteners, walnuts, poppy seeds, coconut, vanilla, and many other flavors.
My grandmother's version, the one closest to my heart, was a simple blend of sugar and walnuts. The wheat berries would simmer on the stove for hours, after which a portion would be mixed with sugar and walnuts. This preparation remains the most memorable dessert of my childhood.
Begin with preparing the wheat berries.
Traditionally, we would gather a week prior to Christmas and meticulously select the grains. Nowadays, I find it convenient to purchase pre-cleaned wheat berries from a vegan food store.
Rinse the wheat thoroughly the night before cooking, then soak it in ample water overnight.
Drain the soaking water in the morning, transfer the grains to a cooking pot, and add fresh water. A good ratio is one part wheat to three parts water.
Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. If the water level drops during cooking, add more boiling water.
I used a multicooker with a stew setting for 4 hours, stirring once, and that was sufficient.
The boiled wheat will appear as cracked grains in a cloudy and dense liquid.
The most reliable test, however, is tasting. The grains should be cooked yet retain a slight firmness.
At this point, you can add sugar, nuts, and other flavors to the wheat. This dish is enjoyable both hot and cold.
To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the walnuts for 10 minutes in the oven or on a stovetop pan. After roasting, lightly crush them using the bottom of a cup or glass.
Here's how the dessert looks on our Christmas table, gorgeously adorned with plums and nuts.
As it cools, the wheat becomes denser. If preferred, you can thin it out with some hot water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy your meal!
