Kasha Varnishkes with Onions
Nutty toasted buckwheat groats tossed with bowtie pasta and deeply caramelized onions. This Jewish-American comfort classic is rich, earthy, and satisfying — a hearty side dish that often steals the spotlight at holiday tables.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Caramelize the onions.
1.Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.2.Add sliced onions and stir to coat evenly.3.Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet, about 15-20 minutes.4.Set aside half the onions for garnish.TIPDon't rush the onions — low and slow brings out their natural sweetness. If they start to catch, add a splash of water and scrape up the brown bits. - boil · ~11 min
Cook the farfalle pasta.
1.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.2.Add farfalle and cook until al dente according to package directions.3.Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. - mix · ~1 min
Coat the kasha with beaten egg.
1.Place kasha in a small bowl and pour beaten egg over it.2.Stir well until every groat is coated. - saute · ~3 min
Toast the kasha.
1.Scrape the egg-coated kasha into the same skillet used for the onions, over medium heat.2.Stir constantly, breaking up clumps, until the egg dries and each grain separates — about 3 minutes.3.The kasha should look dry and smell nutty.TIPStir continuously or the egg will scramble into lumps instead of separating into individual kernels. - simmer · ~15 min
Simmer the kasha until tender.
1.Pour 2 cups water and a pinch of salt into the skillet with the kasha.2.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 12 minutes.3.All the water should be absorbed and the kasha tender.TIPLift the lid as little as possible — kasha needs steady steam to cook evenly. - assemble · ~2 min
Combine kasha, pasta, and onions.
1.Fluff the cooked kasha with a fork.2.Add the drained farfalle and the caramelized onions left in the skillet.3.Toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.4.Season with a pinch of black pepper. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish and serve.
1.Transfer to a serving bowl.2.Top with reserved caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide skillet for the onions to ensure even browning, not steaming.
- 2Let the egg-coated kasha toast until it smells nutty and feels dry to the touch.
- 3Reserve pasta water before draining — a splash loosens the final dish perfectly.
- 4Fluff the cooked kasha gently with a fork to keep grains separate.
- 5Make the caramelized onions a day ahead to save time and deepen flavor.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of water in a skillet.
- 7Taste before adding extra salt — the pasta water and onions contribute plenty.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Use vegetable oil or butter for the onions; this dish is naturally vegetarian as written, but you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) to make it vegan.
gluten freeGluten-free
Swap the farfalle for your favorite gluten-free pasta (like rice or corn bowties) and ensure the kasha is certified gluten-free (buckwheat is naturally GF but may be cross-contaminated).
mushroom & thymeMushroom & thyme
Add 200g sliced mushrooms along with the onions halfway through caramelizing, plus 1 tsp dried thyme for an earthy, umami-rich twist that complements the buckwheat.
high proteinHigh-protein
Stir in 200g shredded leftover roast chicken or cubed pan-seared tofu when combining the pasta and kasha for a more substantial main-dish meal.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a finely chopped serrano pepper when sautéing the onions for a gentle heat that cuts through the richness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Rutin
Buckwheat groats contain rutin, a flavonoid that may support healthy blood circulation and help strengthen capillaries.
Good Source of Fiber
Both buckwheat and whole-grain farfalle provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Naturally Low in Saturated Fat
With just vegetable oil and no dairy, this dish is low in saturated fat, making it heart-friendly when prepared as written.
Provides Plant-Based Protein
Buckwheat is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for meatless meals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the simmering time to about 7-8 minutes and check frequently to avoid overcooking. The texture will be slightly softer.
