Kasza z Boczkiem (Buckwheat and Bacon Pilaf)

This rustic favorite is a staple for any busy Polish home cook. It’s got the holy trinity of home cooking: easy, quick, delicious. The trade off is of course a big ol’ dose of calories. But as long as you’re ok with that, this dish is pretty much perfect for any day. Polish people like to serve it with plain Kefir to drink on the side, but if the sour drinkable yogurt is not for you, beer is another time honored side. If you happen to see multiple kinds of buckwheat at the store, get the dark roasted kind. That’s what’s usually sold as buckwheat, but some stores have started carrying the white un-roasted variety which is often used in soups and different Polish dishes.  

INGREDIENTS makes 6 servings

2 cups buckwheat 

1/2 stick (4 Tbs) unsalted butter

4 cups water + 2 tsp salt OR 4 cups mushroom broth/bouillon 

5 slices bacon, diced

1 onion, diced

salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 cups buckwheat
• 1/2 stick (4 Tbs) unsalted butter
• 4 cups water + 2 tsp salt OR 4 cups mushroom broth/bouillon

1. Bring the salted water of bouillon to a boil in a medium pot. Add the butter, wait until it melts and then add the buckwheat (kasza). Simmer covered for 15 min. Remove from heat at let sit covered for another 10 min. This will help the kasza come to and finish absorbing any liquid left in the pot. Uncover and let sit for another 5 min, allowing residual steam to rise so that the kasza is not mushy later.

• 5 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced

2. While the kasza is cooking, pan fry the bacon over medium high heat for 5 min, stirring every 1 min or so. The bacon should be golden brown and nearly done. Add the onion, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 4 – 5 min, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and beginning to brown. If the onion begins to burn, reduce the heat or remove the mixture from the heat all together. Set aside when finished

3. Once the kasza is done, mix in the bacon and onion, along with all of the cooked out bacon grease. Stir to combine and serve immediately with either a tall glass of kefir or cold beer.