Kucia, a traditional Polish dish served during Christmas Eve supper, is a hearty and flavorful dish consisting of boiled wheat berries, dried fruits, nuts, and honey. This symbolic dish represents abundance, prosperity, and unity. Variations of kucia exist throughout Eastern and Central Europe, with each region adding its own unique twist to this festive dish. In this article, we present three distinct kucia recipes that showcase the diverse culinary traditions of these regions. From the classic Polish kucia, featuring a rich combination of poppy seeds, honey, and nuts, to the Ukrainian variation with its generous use of dried fruits and spices, and the unique Lithuanian kucia, characterized by its addition of bacon and mushrooms, these recipes capture the essence of this beloved holiday dish. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the delectable flavors and traditions of kucia, a dish that embodies the spirit of Christmas Eve celebrations.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
WHEAT BERRY SALAD
Provided by Ellie Krieger
Categories side-dish
Time 1h38m
Yield 6 servings, serving size 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large pot combine the wheat berries and enough water to come 2 inches over the wheat berries. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until tender. Drain and let cool. Toast the walnuts in a medium dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the wheat berries, walnuts, celery, dried cherries, scallions, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
WHEAT BERRY SALAD
This hearty salad is bursting with harvest flavors and healthful omega-3s. The chewy wheat berries, sweet-tart dried cherries and crunchy walnuts make a winning combination.-Nancy Lange, Phoenix, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place wheat berries in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, about 1 hour or until tender. Drain; transfer to a large bowl. Cool completely., Add celery, cherries, walnuts, parsley and green onion to wheat berries. In a small bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until blended; add to salad and toss to coat. If desired, serve over greens.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 112mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein.
WHEATBERRY SALAD
Steps:
- Place the wheatberries and 3 cups of boiling salted water in a saucepan and cook, uncovered, over low heat for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are soft. Drain.
- Saute the red onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the remaining 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm wheatberries, sauteed onions, scallions, red bell pepper, carrot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes for the wheatberries to absorb the sauce. Season, to taste, and serve at room temperature.
WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES
Ellie Krieger's recipe from Food Network. It's the closest I can find to the wheatberry salad I've had from the deli at Whole Foods, which is to die for! This has tons of 5 star reviews on FN's website. Posting for safekeeping!
Provided by Raquel Grinnell
Categories Grains
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large pot combine the wheat berries and enough water to come 2 inches over the wheat berries. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until tender. Drain and let cool. Toast the nuts in a medium dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the wheat berries, walnuts, celery, dried cherries, scallions, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
BLUE DOG BAKERY'S WHEAT BERRY SALAD
This recipe is deceptively delicious! The first time I saw it I thought this was far too healthy to taste good! Boy was I wrong! This is a very filling alternative to pasta or potato salads. The wheat berries can be hard to find. I have to go to a small health food store to find them. Cooking time is primarily the time it takes to cook the wheat berries, also walnut oil is VERY expensive, I just use olive oil
Provided by sabradiamond
Categories Grains
Time 17m
Yield 5 cups, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large saucepan cover berries with water. Cook al dente. Drain.
- Cook limas al dente. Drain.
- Combine walnut oil, canola oil and vinegar. Add to warm berries and limas. Toss.
- Soften dried fruit by soaking in water, if needed. When bean mixture has cooled, add dried fruit, walnuts, celery and scallions. Toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 315.3, Fat 29.6, SaturatedFat 2.5, Sodium 41.6, Carbohydrate 10.7, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 1.8, Protein 4.2
WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH RED FRUIT
For this sweet and tart salad, wheat berries are blended with cranberries, apples and pecans and tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette-a winning combination. A perfect side dish to take to a potluck or simply serve it over a bed of peppery arugula for vegan lunch. Recipe from Eating Well March/April 2007. (Cooking time is resting time). If you wish to sweeten your salad up a bit but don't have Agave, feel free to sub 1 T of honey. Also of note, I have made this with a peach and 2 apricots instead of the grapes and apple (thereby making this wheat berry salad with ORANGE fruit) and it is delightful!!!! This salad is even better on day 2, so it's a great make ahead recipe.
Provided by januarybride
Categories Grains
Time 55m
Yield 6 cups, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine orange juice and cranberries in a small bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Combine wheat berries, apple and pecans (and grapes if using) in a large bowl; stir gently.
- Drain the cranberries, reserving the juice. Stir the cranberries into the wheat berry mixture.
- Whisk the reserved orange juice, vinegar and oil in a small bowl until combined. Add Agave/honey if using. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the salad and stir gently to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
MERRY BERRY SALAD
I always make this salad for winter holiday gatherings. It comes from "Quick Cooking" magazine. The salad is beautiful and incredibly yummy! There is always way too much dressing so I usually double or triple the salad amount depending on the crowd.
Provided by Slatts
Categories Winter
Time 15m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Toss salad ingredients in a bowl to combine.
- In a blender, process the dressing ingredients until smooth. (The color of the dressing is amazing!).
- Drizzle salad with dressing just before serving.
WHEAT SWEET SALAD
In Montana this is quite a common fruit salad at potlucks. I used red durham wheat. You can use any raw wheat that has been washed. Go to a bulk foods place where they have barrels of spices and different foods and you can dip a scoop in and sack. We definitely do not call it "wheatberries" here but perhaps that is the name in the store.The best part is that it is easy, makes a lot and is a crowd pleaser. I guarantee the bowl will be wiped clean.
Provided by Montana Heart Song
Categories Pineapple
Time 2h15m
Yield 16-20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In large saucepan, add wheat and 6 cups of water. Cook about 3 hours on low heat. Add one more cup of water if necessary Do not let wheat burn. The wheat will puff up and be very soft. Stir once in a while. Watch the water.
- Drain any remaining water in colandar. Rinse with cool water.
- In mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding and crushed pineapple and juice. Beat on low speed until mixed.
- Add cool whip, and mix in low speed.
- Add cooked rinsed wheat, and fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Note: You can use Instant Pistashio Pudding or instant lemon pudding.
- You can also freeze this salad. A long keeper dish for the refrigerator too.
BLACK BEAN, EDAMAME AND WHEAT BERRY SALAD
Make and share this Black Bean, Edamame and Wheat Berry Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chris from Kansas
Categories Black Beans
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine water and wheat berries in saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat,cover and simmer for 55 minutes or until tender.
- Place in strainer and run cool water over.
- Combine with rest of ingredients and refrigerate.
Tips for Making the Best Savory Kucia Wheat Berry Salad
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Soak the wheat berries overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking.
- Cook the wheat berries according to the package directions.
- Let the wheat berries cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs into small, even pieces.
- Use a light hand when dressing the salad, so as not to overpower the flavors.
- Serve the salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This savory kucia wheat berry salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with nutrients and flavor, and it is sure to please everyone at your table. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this salad is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy and delicious food.
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