Kasha

Kasha is an important grain in Russia. It's a popular accompaniment to meals as well as a meal in itself. Kasha is made from buckwheat groats. Buckwheat grows quickly in approximately a 10-week period so it is well-suited to the colder climate and short growing season in many parts of Russia. It’s a staple in the Russian diet and wholesome, containing fiber and vitamins.

Kasha in the form of kutiya is a meatless dish that is typically served on Christmas Eve and also after funerals at the pominka which translates from Russian as “memory of the dead” luncheon. In this case, the kutiya is made with poppy seeds, walnuts, sugar, honey and raisins.

It's noteworthy that Russian peasants lived on a diet of shchi or cabbage soup and kasha, along with hearty black bread. There is a saying “shchi da kasha pischa nasha” which translated means “shchi and kasha, are our food.” Russian peasants were a strong breed, and I imagine that kasha will nourish you too.

Cooking kasha is easy and in addition, the word rhymes wonderfully with many names in Russian: such as Masha, Natasha and Tasha and other words such as nasha -- ours, vasha -- yours. While cooking, one can be creative and compose some silly rhymes and sing as I do.

1 cup kasha
2 cups water
2 tablespoons of butter -- can be omitted
½ tablespoon salt

1. Carefully pick over the kasha to remove any husks or other objects that may be present in the groats.
2. Bring the water, salt, and if using, butter to a boil in a pot. Once the water is boiling steadily, add kasha and stir. Cover the pot and simmer the kasha for 10-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from the stove.

Kasha can be eaten during any meal: for a hearty, simple and quick breakfast, or as a side dish with onions and mushrooms fried in butter. Bacon bits add a delicious crunch and a pilaf made with olive oil, garlic, parsley and chicken stock is another option. Be creative!

Kasha may also added to soups to make them more substantial and has even been served alongside the popular Russian dish called Beef Stroganoff.

Kasha can be found in the grocery store in the kosher section. My favorite brands are the Pocono Heart of Buckwheat Brand and Wolff's Whole Buckwheat Groats. They're organic and manufactured by The Birkett Mills in the Fingerlake region of New York state. The company is the world's largest manufacturer of buckwheat groats and was established in 1797 with over 200 years of experience.

As a side note, the buckwheat hulls are not wasted and can be used as mulch in the garden and also as a homemade pillow stuffing which is popular in Japanese pillows. I plan on taking a trip to the Mills in Penn Yan and picking some hulls up for a sewing project -- a new pillow.

Enjoy your kasha and Priyatnovo apetita!


If you are unable to find kasha in the market, it is available on Amazon.com:

Pocono Kasha


Wolff's Kasha