Signature recipe of the culinary blogger: kutya with halva and lemon zest.

According to ТСН: Kutya is not only the main dish on the Christmas table but also a symbol of prosperity and family unity. The recipe presented by the famous culinary blogger Liliya Tsvit became the result of long searches and gained recognition among many Ukrainian households. The popularity of this dish is explained by its classical base enriched with unusual ingredients. The addition of sunflower halva makes the texture tender and filling, while the lemon zest and spicy cinnamon give the dish a sophisticated aroma. This kutya transforms from a simple ritual porridge into a true festive dessert.

Ingredients for preparation

For preparing this special dish, you will need the following components:

• Polished wheat — 150 g
• Dry poppy — 150 g
• Sunflower halva — 200 g
• Natural honey — 100 g
• Salt — a pinch for boiling wheat

For rich filling, prepare:

• Nut assortment (hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts) — 50 g of each type
• Dried fruits: apricots — 100 g, cranberries — 100 g, light and dark raisins — 50 g each
• Spicy additions: zest from half a lemon and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Step-by-step cooking instructions

• First, prepare the wheat: rinse the grains thoroughly and soak them in cold water overnight. This will allow the grains to swell well and cook faster. In the morning, drain the water and replace it with clean water.
• Boil the porridge over medium heat for about an hour, adding a pinch of salt. It is important to stir constantly to prevent the wheat from burning and to add water if necessary. It is recommended to leave a slightly liquid consistency so that the kutya is not too thick.
• Boil the poppy separately: pour water into a pot with a thick bottom, bring to a boil, then strain. Next, refill the poppy with clean water in a one-to-two ratio and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. After cooling, crush the poppy until a white milk-like liquid appears.
• Mash the halva with a fork and combine it with the crushed poppy before adding it to the porridge.
• Meanwhile, prepare the fillings: pour boiling water over the cranberries, apricots, and raisins, strain, and then mix with ground cinnamon and lemon zest.
• Toast the nuts in a dry skillet and chop them into coarse pieces.
• At the final stage, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. To the cooled wheat base, add the poppy with halva, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Finally, dress the dish with natural honey, which can be slightly melted if necessary.

Before serving, let the kutya steep for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Kutya has long been an integral part of Ukrainian Christmas traditions. This recipe, enriched with new notes, will help you not only preserve old customs but also bring something new to the celebration. Try making this kutya and share your favorite moments with family at the festive table!