Kasha varnishkes

Kashe varnishkes is a comforting and hearty dish rooted in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. It unites buckwheat groats, commonly known as kasha, with noodles—typically farfalle, or bow-tie pasta.

The preparation is straightforward: cook the kasha separately, then mix it with noodles and onions fried in schmaltz, which is rendered poultry fat. Some recipes also incorporate chicken or beef stock to enhance the flavor.

The dish originates from Eastern Europe, where it was a staple among Ashkenazi Jews. When these communities immigrated to America, they brought kashe varnishkes with them, and it quickly became a cherished part of the American Jewish culinary scene.

The name "varnishkes" is thought to be a Yiddish adaptation of the Ukrainian word "vareniki" a type of dumpling often filled with buckwheat. Over the years, Ashkenazi Jews adapted the recipe, resulting in the various versions of the dish we enjoy today.