Since ancient times, a ritual has come to us that we perform in memory of the deceased: after the funeral of a relative or loved one, commemorations are arranged, which are a collective meal in the house of the deceased. But what to cook at the commemoration, what dishes are on the menu on this difficult day? Let us dwell on this issue.
Kolivo or kutya
Perhaps this is the first dish on the memorial table. It is a porridge made from grains of wheat, barley or rice, which is seasoned with raisins and honey and consecrated at the requiem. Grains are the symbol of the Resurrection, and raisins and honey mean the sweetness of bliss in the kingdom of heaven. I must say that cooking for a funeral feast with kutya is a must.
How to cook kutya
Wheat grains are washed, soaked for a while (you can overnight), and then cook until tender. Then they are mixed with poppy seeds, honey and raisins, previously washed, scalded and dried. In this case, honey is first diluted with water (1: 2). Grains are boiled in this solution. Note that it is possible to cook rice with kutya for a funeral feast. It is prepared in the same way as wheat.
Pancakes
Pancakes are also a must on the memorial table. They are associated with the beginning of rebirth, with a new life. They are usually served with honey. It is interesting that before pancakes were prepared from buckwheat flour. This gave them a pleasant sour taste, and they turned out much more magnificent. I must say that today you can cook pancakes for a wake from both buckwheat and wheat flour, but can be combined. It all depends on the personal preferences of the cook.
How to cook pancakes
Ingredients: four glasses of flour, four and a half glasses of milk, twenty grams of yeast, salt.
Cooking process
Half a glass of milk is poured into the dishes, in which yeast is bred. Then they add another one and a half glasses of milk and two glasses of flour. Mix the dough and put in a warm place, covering with a towel. When it increases in volume by three times, add the remaining flour, salt, milk, put again in a warm place, mix well. When the dough comes up again, pancakes are baked from it in vegetable oil.
Kissel
Kissel is eaten at the commemoration (the menu must include such a dish) all guests. Sweet jelly made from fruits or oats, sometimes with milk, is served on the table. They must be thick so that they can be cut with a knife.
Kissel oat
Ingredients: two glasses of oatmeal, two tablespoons of honey, eight glasses of water, salt.
Cooking process
Flour is poured with warm water and mixed, then left for eight hours, so that it swells. Then it is filtered, salt and honey are added, boiled until thickened. The hot dish is poured into molds, and after cooling, cut into portions.
Conclusion
Thus, we presented three main dishes at the wake. I must say that the composition of the memorial menu largely depends on the traditions of the family, on its wealth and the number of guests who usually come themselves, since it is not customary to invite to the funeral. In any case, the dishes should be simple but tasty.