Recipe of the Week: Kasha Casserole with Root Vegetables and Mushrooms
My husband exuded an aura of disbelief when I told him I was serving him kasha for dinner earlier this week. He has been politely declining his mother's kasha for many, many years. My son, who is vegetarian, says there is no earthly reason to eat kasha, also known as buckwheat. But I was casting about looking for something to make and this recipe looked interesting so I thought I would try it.
I think I might have overcooked it a bit, because it was quite soft, but not unpleasantly so. I thought it was quite tasty, and my husband actually cleaned his plate. When I asked him what he thought he said "well, it's not like my mother's". High praise, indeed.This makes a huge amount and I have the feeling that most of the leftovers are going to be consumed by me. I was surprised at how quickly the kasha cooks and it was very easy to make.
Kasha Casserole with Root Vegetables and Mushrooms
1 tsp coriander seeds1/2 tsp fennel seeds1/2 tsp caraway seeds1/2 tsp black peppercorns1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil2 medium onions, chopped3 large portobello mushrooms, stemmed, caps cut into 1/2" cubes2 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced1 (15 oz) can chickpeas drained1 cup whole kernal kasha1 tbsp coarse sea salt or kosher salt1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
1. In a kettle bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Put the coriander, fennel, caraway and peppercorns in a spice mill or a clean electric coffee grinder, or mortar and grind to a powder.
2. Warm a Dutch oven over high heat for 30 seconds. Add the oil, onions, and ground spices and saute for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for 1 more minute, stirring. Add the parsnips and carrots and saute for 2 more minutes. Add the boiling water, chickpeas, kasha and salt. When the mixture returns to a boil, lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer until the kasha is tender, about 25 minutes.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and scallions.
This recipe is from Fresh Food Fast by Peter Berley
