Kulish is a traditional Ukrainian millet soup once cooked by Cossacks in the steppe. It’s rich and hearty, made from millet, potatoes, onions, carrots, and lard (salo) — a perfect blend of simplicity and comfort.
Prepare the ingredients. Rinse millet thoroughly in warm water several times. Dice potatoes, onion, and carrot.
Fry the lard. In a cauldron or pot, fry diced lard until golden and crispy. Remove cracklings (shkvarky) and leave the fat in the pot.
Sauté vegetables. Add onion and carrot to the melted fat. Fry until soft and fragrant.
Add water and millet. Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil. Add millet, reduce heat, and cook 15–20 minutes.
Add potatoes. Add diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until soft — another 15–20 minutes.
Add cracklings. Return fried salo pieces to the pot, stir well, and simmer for a few more minutes.
Serve. Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs. Traditionally eaten with pickles or black bread.