Recipe by Marcia Friedman

Kasha Varnishkes

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Parve Parve
Easy Easy
8 Servings
Allergens
45 Minutes
Diets

This beloved dish of Ukrainian origin might seem humble, but it pushes all the comfort food buttons – sweet caramelized onions, nutty toasted buckwheat kernels, and tender and filling pasta. Modern touches of tricolor pasta, red onion, and red pepper flakes add color and flavor.

Ingredients

Kasha Varnishkes

  • pinch red pepper flakes, optional

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup kasha (roasted buckwheat)

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions

Prepare the Kasha Varnishkes

1.

Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain, transfer to a large serving bowl, and toss lightly with oil to coat. Set aside.

2.

Heat a layer of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and stir. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes.

3.

Uncover, stir again, and cook 10 more minutes, or until softened and deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.

4.

Meanwhile, in a small pan, bring the water to boil.

5.

While the water heats, combine the kasha and egg in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook two to three minutes or until the kernels are dry and toasted, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the boiling water. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer about eight minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.

6.

Add the kasha mixture to the pasta and stir to incorporate. Toss in the onions with a little more oil, if desired. Season to taste and serve warm.

Tips:

Be sure to buy kasha (roasted buckwheat) and not raw buckwheat groats, which are chewier and less flavorful.

About

Excerpt from The Essential Jewish Cookbook, by Marcia Friedman, published by Rockridge Press. Copyright © 2021 by Callisto Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photography by Sarah Husney

Kasha Varnishkes

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