Kasha Varnishkes

Kasha Varnishkes is a classic Jewish dish that brings together the nutty flavor of toasted buckwheat (kasha) with tender pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy mushroom sauce. While Jewish cuisine often leans towards meat-centric dishes, this vegetarian delight showcases the rich flavors that can be achieved with simple, hearty ingredients. Whether you’re honoring tradition or simply craving comfort food, Kasha Varnishkes is a delicious choice.

Serves 8 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups coarse or medium granulation kasha (toasted buckwheat)
• 2 eggs (or 3 egg whites)
• 4 cups stock or water, hot
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound bow-tie–shaped pasta (farfalle) or egg noodles, cooked medium-soft
• 1 (10 ½-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the kasha and eggs, mixing them with a wooden spoon until the kasha is well coated by the egg.
2. Pour the kasha mixture into the hot skillet and cook while stirring and breaking up lumps. Continue cooking until the egg has dried onto the kasha, and the grains are separate.
3. Carefully add the hot stock or water, as well as the butter or margarine (be cautious as it may spatter). Lower the flame to low heat, cover the skillet tightly, and cook for 7–10 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms together until they become soft, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked kasha, sautéed onion and mushrooms, cooked pasta, and the cream of mushroom soup. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
6. Season your Kasha Varnishkes with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake it in the oven for approximately 20 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and slightly crusty on top.

Enjoy your Kasha Varnishkes! This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a family meal or any occasion where you want to savor traditional Jewish cuisine with a vegetarian twist.

Kasha Varnishkes, with its rich combination of flavors and hearty ingredients, is a beloved dish that celebrates the delicious traditions of Jewish cuisine. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or simply enjoying it on your own, this classic comfort food offers a taste of heritage and a warm, satisfying meal.