Kutia Wigilijna (Polish Christmas Cooked Wheat Pudding) Recipe
Polish cooked wheat pudding, or kutia wigilijna, is traditionally served as the initial course for Christmas Eve dinner.
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Instructions
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Rinse wheat berries, place in a pot, cover with 5 inches of water, stir, cover, and soak overnight.
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The next day, drain and rinse the wheat berries. Return them to the pot with 6 cups cold water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 90 minutes to 3 hours until tender. Drain and cool.
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To prepare poppy seeds, cover them with several inches of water in a saucepan, stir, and soak for 20 minutes. Skim impurities, then drain, rinse, and drain again.
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Return poppy seeds to the saucepan, cover with an inch of boiling water, and let stand for 15 minutes.
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Place the saucepan on heat, bring poppy seeds to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and grind once in a poppy seed grinder or three times in a regular grinder.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled wheat, ground poppy seeds, confectioners' sugar, honey, vanilla, zest, and any desired dried fruits and nuts (raisins, walnuts, almonds, figs, dates).
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Mix well, then add half and half and thoroughly incorporate.
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Refrigerate until serving.