Kasha Varnishkes

• porcije: 6 servings

Sastojci

3 tablespoon kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed

1 1/4 cup kasha (roasted buckwheat groats)

7 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or schmaltz or butter), divided, plus more as needed

3 large yellow onions, chopped (about 6 cups)

2 pinch freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

10 ounce baby bella mushrooms, thickly sliced (about 3½ cups)

1/2 pound bow-tie noodles (farfalle)

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped or Microplaned

3/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup chopped chives

Upute

Heat the oven to 375° F.

Set a large pot of water over high heat. Add 1½ tablespoons salt, plus more to taste, until it's very salty. Bring to a boil. Add the kasha and adjust the heat to establish a steady boil. (The method here is exactly like pasta.) Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the kasha is just tender—we don't want it mushy. Use a slotted spoon or fine-mesh sieve to transfer the kasha to a bowl. Keep the water warm on the stove.

Meanwhile, heat a very large skillet over medium heat. Pour in ¼ cup of the oil. When it’s shimmery, add the onions; season generously with salt and 1 pinch black pepper. Cook, stirring and lowering the heat as needed, for about 40 minutes, until caramelized.

While that's going, roast the mushrooms. On a rimmed sheet pan, arrange the mushrooms. Drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of the oil; season with salt and 1 pinch of pepper. Toss to combine. Roast for about 30 minutes, until deeply browned.

Return the pot of water to a boil. When the onions and mushrooms are almost done, add the pasta to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until just al dente. Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the pasta to the skillet with the onions—this way you reserve that pasta water.

Add the mushrooms, kasha, and garlic to the skillet and toss to combine. Add a big splash of pasta water to loosen everyone up, plus a generous pour of oil—and don't be shy with either. Season with salt and pepper. Add most of the herbs and toss to combine. Sprinkle the remaining herbs on top.