Vegetable

Kasha boasts a wonderfully nutty flavor. You can buy it already toasted. If you buy the untoasted variety, toss it lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until it colors. Hearty, but not too heavy, kasha is a staple of Northern Europe and Russia that is traditionally served as an accompaniment to meats, in pilafs or as the essential ingredient in traditional Jewish dishes like kasha varnishkes. Exotic though it may sound, kasha is just basic buckwheat groats, used like a grain, but botanically just a cousin of true grains. Once only available through specialty grocers, you'll find kasha in many health food stores and supermarkets now as well. So, by all means, go nuts with kasha!

2 ounces dried mushrooms
1 cup toasted buckwheat groats (kasha)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Salt or natural soy sauce to taste

1. Soak the dried mushrooms (shiitake or porcini are very flavorful) in water until soft.

2. Drain, saving the soaking water, and slice, discarding any tough portions.

3. Add the groats to 3 cups boiling water (including the mushroom-soaking liquid), lower heat, and add the carrot, the onion and the mushrooms.

4. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed. Add salt or natural soy sauce to taste.

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