on the 7th day of pasta

On the seventh day of Christmas, 
my true love sent to me 
seven swans a-swimming.
So in old England, folks ate swan. The real deal – roasted. While it’s not for us, what difference, really, does it make whether we eat chicken, turkey, duck or swan. Nevertheless, our culture says no to this lovely bird (thankfully). However, interestingly, swans eat vegetation (from the waters where they swim) and grass and grains, or so I’ve read. So, if a swan eats veggies and grain, it’s sort of like eating swan (she rationalized).

Kasha Varnishkes Fettuccine

Kasha Varnishkes is an Eastern European recipe that translates into buckwheat groats and bowtie noodles. This recipe goes further using fettuccine in place of the bowties.

1 cup coarse kasha (buckwheat groats)
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 12-ounce package Al Dente fettuccine, cooked according to package instructions
6 Tbsp. butter, margarine or schmaltz (rendered chicken fat)
3 cups chopped onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine kasha and water or broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the liquid to a boil and cook the kasha, uncovered, for 30-40, minutes or until tender. Drain if there is a large amount of liquid left over.
While the kasha is cooking, heat butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until onions are uniformly golden.
Combine the kasha, onions, pasta and seasonings and toss well. Adjust seasonings and add more butter or schmaltz, if desired to taste. Makes 6 hearty servings.

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