I had never heard of wheat berries until several years ago when my father-in-law’s wife was preparing a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner and made kutia which I really enjoyed. I made it a couple of times shortly after but haven’t made it since – it’s probably been at least 5 years. I realized I still had wheat berries in my cupboard so decided to make it again – though I did have to contact my FIL’s wife as I remembered nothing.

“So, you remember that Christmas at E&J’s and you were making the traditional Ukrainian meal and there was that dish you made where you boiled that stuff in milk and added honey and dried fruit and nuts…. do you know what I’m talking about?”

“You mean kutia?”

“YES! That’s it, thank you!”

I didn’t ask for the actual recipe as I figured with enough digging I’d be able to find it. As it turns out, I should have asked for the recipe as I didn’t find any that felt familiar. Close, but not exact…. so I figured I’d wing it. And, hello! Yummy!!!

I like to have it at room temperature with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries but you can also have it warm. I also changed quite a few ingredients to what I had and what I eat – being vegan and all.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups wheat berries
• 4 cups plant based milk
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup dates, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup chia
• Nuts for serving

Directions

1. Rinse wheat berries until water runs clear. Place in pot, cover with water and boil for 1 hour. Allow to drain at least 15 minutes.
2. In another pot, place the milk of choice and bring to a boil, add wheat berries and boil for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.
4. Serve warm or cool on its own or with yogurt, fruit, and nuts.