Kasha Orzo With Portabellas Recipes

CREAMY ORZO WITH PROSCIUTTO AND PEAS

Steps:

• Whisk together the eggs and Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until beginning to brown and get crispy, 4 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in the orzo and toast for 3 minutes. Add 3 1/4 cups water and the salt, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Stir in the tomatoes and peas. Cook until the orzo is al dente, another 3 minutes.
• Off the heat, add the egg mixture to the skillet while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the pasta. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.

KASHA VARNISHKES

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, saute onions and mushrooms in oil in a large skillet until lightly browned, about 9 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside., Combine buckwheat groats and egg in a small bowl; add to the same skillet. Cook and stir over high heat for 2-4 minutes or until buckwheat is browned, separating grains with the back of a spoon. Add the hot broth, salt and pepper., Bring to a boil; add onion mixture. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Drain pasta; add to pan and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

ORZO WITH PARMESAN AND BASIL

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.
• Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.
• Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.

KASHA VARNISHKES AT WOLFF'S IN NEW JERSEY

Steps:

• 1. Sauté the onions in 2 tablespoons of the margarine or chicken fat in a heavy frying pan with a cover until golden. Remove to a plate.
• 2. Beat the egg in a small mixing bowl and stir in the kasha. Mix, making sure all the grains are coated. Put the kasha in the same frying pan, set over a high heat. Flatten, stir, and break up the egg-coated kasha with a fork or wooden spoon for 2 to 4 minutes or until the egg has dried on the kasha and the kernels brown and mostly separate.
• 3. Add the water or bouillon, salt, and pepper to the frying pan and bring to a boil. Add the onions, cover tightly, and cook over low heat, steaming the kasha for 10 minutes. Remove the cover, stir, and quickly check to see if the kernels are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If not, cover and continue steaming for 3 to 5 minutes more.
• 4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain.
• 5. When the kasha is ready, combine with the noodles. Adjust the seasoning, sprinkle with the parsley and coriander. If desired, add a bit more margarine or chicken fat.

KASHA & ORZO WITH PORTABELLAS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan or skillet on medium-high heat, cook the onions and mushrooms in the oil with the garlic, thyme, and salt until the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
• In a bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the kasha, stir to coat well, and add to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the egg is dry, making sure to separate any clumps of kasha. Add the orzo and the boiling water, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• When the kasha and orzo are tender, stir in the butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with sour cream and toasted walnuts.
• Add a chopped red bell pepper to the onions and mushrooms after they've been cooking for about 5 minutes.
• Almost any sautéed chopped vegetable can be incorporated into this dish-try whatever appeals to you or what you find in your refrigerator waiting to be used up. Maybe carrots or zucchini, green peas, a leafy green, or even asparagus.
• For a richer flavor, use half water and half vegetable broth. Omit the salt if the broth is salted.
• This warm, comforting dish cries out for a light, tangy accompaniment. We like it with Corn & Pepper Salad (page 207) or Beet Salad (page 209). For dessert, consider Apples Two Ways (page 191), Cherry Shortbread Crumble (page 265), or Riesling Roasted Pears (page 264).