KUTIA

The most sacred of all Slavic ritual dishes, Kutia is a cereal of wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey and dried fruit, that is served only at religious festivals of great importance.

1 1/2 cups wheat berries, soaked in lukewarm water to cover for at least 24 hours and drained
4 1/2 cups water or milk, or more if needed
3/4 cup poppy seeds
2/3 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup raisins
Small pinch of salt
Cinnamon for garnish

Combine the wheat berries and water or milk in a medium-sized heavy pot and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the wheat berries are very tender, 3 hours or more, depending on the quality of the wheat.  Add more liquid, as needed, to keep the wheat berries covered by one inch.

Meanwhile, in another pot, scald the poppy seeds in boiling water to cover for one minute. Drain well, then add lukewarm water to cover and soak for 30 minutes. Drain the poppy seeds again.

Grind the poppy seeds in a food processor and set aside.

Preheat the over to 350º F.

Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast until very light golden, 3 to 5 minutes.  Set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 Fº.

Drain off the cooking liquid from the wheat berries into a glass measuring cup. Discard all but 1/2 cup. Add the honey to the liquid and mix well.

In an oven proof casserole, mix the wheat berries, honey, poppy seeds, almonds, apricots, raisins and salt.  Bake the kutia, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Remove the casserole from the oven, cover, ad let stand for 15 minutes.  Either serve warm as hot cereal, or chill and serve in dessert glasses.   Sprinkle with cinnamon.