Kutia, a festive Polish dish, combines wheat, honey, and nuts, reflecting centuries-old culinary traditions and cultural heritage.
Kutia, a dish deeply rooted in Eastern European culinary traditions, is cherished in Poland, especially in regions such as Podlachia, Lublin Province, and Subcarpathia. Originating from the Ukrainian word kókkos (grain) and possibly linked to kut (corner), this dish is a highlight of Christmas and New Year festivities. Once a staple of Polish Kresy cuisine, it remains a symbol of shared heritage among Poles and their Eastern neighbors.
Traditionally, kutia is made with boiled wheat grains, poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits like raisins, nuts, and candied orange peel. Modern variations often include almonds or cream. The preparation of wheat grains requires meticulous effort, involving manual husking with wooden tools—a process still practiced in rural areas. Substitutes such as barley or rice are also used in some regions.
In Poland, kutia is more than a dish; it’s a reminder of communal traditions, served during Christmas Eve as one of twelve symbolic meals.