Preserved Lemon Kasha Varnishkes

This Preserved Lemon Kasha Varnishkes is a tangy twist on tradition, Ever heard of Kasha Varnishkes? It’s a Jewish comfort dish with a name that sounds as cozy as a warm blanket. “Kasha” refers to roasted buckwheat groats. “Groats” is a weird word. However, don’t worry, they’re much tastier than they sound! Varnishkes are just bowtie pasta—yes, the cute ones! Together, these two create a hearty dish loved for generations.

Preserved Lemons are easy to make at home

Now, let’s sprinkle some fun into the mix. Enter: preserved lemons. They bring a zesty zing to the traditional kasha varnishkes, elevating this savory staple with a bright and tangy punch. So, what are preserved lemons? Think of them as lemons that took a long, luxurious bath in salt and their own juices. They’re ridiculously easy to make at home—just salt, lemons, and patience (about a month’s worth, but hey, good things take time). I add peppercorns and a few bay leaves to the mix.

But why preserved lemons? Adding them is like giving your bubbe’s kasha varnishkes recipe a refreshing, modern twist. The citrus cuts through the earthiness of the buckwheat, balancing the dish perfectly.

Kasha varnishkes isn’t just for any old Tuesday night. It’s a beloved Jewish holiday dish, especially during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Traditionally, it’s served to symbolize abundance and sustenance. And, let’s be real—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

The addition of preserved lemons creates a burst of flavor, making each bite exciting. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and maximum reward. You just need some lemons, salt, and a bit of shelf space for them to work their magic. Furthermore, if you have lemon-flavored olive oil and/or lemon salt, use those. This further boosts the lemon flavor

So, if you’re looking to brighten up a traditional dish this holiday season, give preserved lemon kasha varnishkes a try. It’s the same warm and cozy meal but with a zesty twist!

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Preserved Lemon Kasha Varnishkes

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Jewish

Keyword Groats, Jewish food, Jewish holiday recipes, Jewish Pasta, Jewish recipes, kasha varnishkes

Prep Time 25 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 3 large yellow onions chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• a few pinches of sugar
• 2 large garlic clove grated
• 1 preserved lemon chopped into small pieces
• 2 cups kasha cooked according to package instructions
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided plus more for drizzling
• 12 oz bow-tie pasta
• 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped chives

Instructions

1. Make 2 cups of the kasha according to the package’s instructions*

2. Boil the pasta in salted water.

3. Drain, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water and set aside.

4. Heat the olive oil in a large skilley

5. Add the onions and cook stirring until transparent

6. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.

7. cook stirring until the onions start to brown.

8. Stir in the preserved lemon and cook, stuttering frequently until the onions turn golden brown.

9. Mix in the garlic and cook for a few minutes.

10. Add some pasta water.

11. Mix in the cooked pasta and the cooked kasha.

12. Add more pasta water as needed.

13. Drizzle some oil over the top. If you have lemon flavored olive oil, use that.

14. Mix in the chopped herbs.

15. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs, and serve.

Recipe Notes

*You may need and egg or 2 for this process.

Like this Preserved Lemon Kasha Varnishkes? Also, check out some of these other delicious recipes:

PRESERVED LEMON NOODLE KUGEL

PRESERVED LIME BUTTERMILK POTATOES

RAMP PRESERVED LEMON EGG SALAD

PRESERVED LEMON POTATO SALAD