Savory Buckwheat Noodles with Sautéed Onions
This cherished family recipe, Kasha Varnishkes, offers a delightful blend of nutty buckwheat groats and tender noodles, harmonized with beautifully caramelized onions. Originating from Eastern European Jewish cuisine, this fulfilling dish brings comfort and adds a delicious twist to any meal. Traditionally made with bowtie pasta, it can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets using high-quality alternatives like Hoffner's GF egg noodles or Glutano tagliatelle. Rich in flavor and texture, this dish not only celebrates the wholesome goodness of buckwheat—naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients—but also serves as a satisfying side or a standalone meal. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or regular weeknight dinners, this Kasha Varnishkes recipe is a timeless favorite that warms the heart.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
buckwheat groats
1 cup (uncooked)
egg
1 (beaten)
uncooked bowtie pasta or gluten-free egg noodles
1 cup (prepared according to package instructions)
chicken stock
2 cups (brought to a boil)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
water
1 quart (for boiling pasta)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
corn oil or chicken fat
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onions
1 1/2 large (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, beat the egg until well mixed. Add the buckwheat groats and stir to ensure every grain is evenly coated with egg, enhancing the flavor and texture.
2
Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan set on medium heat. Continuously stir with a wooden spoon for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg begins to dry slightly and the groats separate. You may notice some grains stick together or lightly brown, which is normal.
3
Once the egg has dried, carefully pour the boiling chicken stock over the groats. Add the salt and ground black pepper, stirring thoroughly to combine. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5
In a large skillet, heat the corn oil or chicken fat over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onions and sauté for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and caramelized.
6
Finally, add the cooked pasta and sautéed onions to the pot with the kasha. Toss everything together gently, adjusting the salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.67g
Fat
31.67g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Buckwheat Noodles with Sautéed Onions?
Commonly known as Kasha Varnishkes, this is a traditional Eastern European Jewish dish featuring nutty buckwheat groats, tender noodles, and caramelized onions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using high-quality gluten-free egg noodles such as Hoffner's or Glutano tagliatelle instead of standard bowtie pasta.
What are the main ingredients for Kasha Varnishkes?
The primary ingredients include buckwheat groats, an egg, bowtie pasta or gluten-free noodles, chicken stock, onions, and oil or chicken fat.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving of this recipe.
What is the function of the egg in this recipe?
The egg is beaten and mixed with the buckwheat groats to coat every grain, which helps enhance the flavor and prevents the groats from becoming mushy during cooking.
How long should I toast the buckwheat groats?
You should toast the egg-coated groats for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring continuously until the egg dries and the grains separate.
How long does it take to cook the kasha after adding the stock?
The kasha should simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed, followed by 5 minutes of resting while covered.
What type of pasta is traditionally used?
Traditionally, bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is used in Kasha Varnishkes.
Can I use chicken fat instead of oil?
Yes, using chicken fat (schmaltz) is a traditional option that adds deep flavor to the sautéed onions.
How many onions are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 large onions, coarsely chopped.
What is the nutritional fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6.67g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are approximately 31.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The recipe provides about 6.67g of protein per serving.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for approximately 10-15 minutes until they are beautifully browned and caramelized.
What kind of stock should be used?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 cups of boiling chicken stock.
Is buckwheat naturally gluten-free?
Yes, buckwheat is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy base for this meal.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, while it is often a side dish, its rich texture and protein content allow it to serve as a satisfying standalone meal.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
What preparation is needed for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked in 1 quart of boiling water according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should the chicken stock be hot when added to the kasha?
Yes, you should carefully pour boiling chicken stock over the toasted groats.
How much black pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, adjusted to taste.
What tools are needed for the groats preparation?
You will need a small bowl for beating the egg, a medium saucepan for toasting/simmering, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
Can I add herbs to this dish?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving the dish warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Is it normal for groats to stick together during toasting?
Yes, it is normal for some grains to stick together or lightly brown as the egg dries during the toasting process.
How many buckwheat groats are needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked buckwheat groats.
How much oil or fat is used for the onions?
You will need 3 tablespoons of corn oil or chicken fat.
What is the final step in the recipe?
The final step is to gently toss the cooked pasta and sautéed onions into the pot with the cooked kasha.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol information?
The provided data does not specify the cholesterol content for this recipe.
What is the culture of origin for this dish?
This dish originates from Eastern European Jewish cuisine.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked bowtie pasta or gluten-free egg noodles.