Mushroom Kuba (Houbovy Kuba)
6 servings While Mushroom Kuba (houbovy kuba) may have taken a backseat to the grand Christmas feast in recent years, this hearty and flavorful dish still holds a special place in Czech and Slovak culinary traditions. Traditionally enjoyed as part of the Christmas Eve dinner, Kuba offers a comforting blend of textures... Read more ... and earthy flavors thanks to the combination of pearl barley and mushrooms. Our recipe invites you to savor this timeless classic any time of year. Whether you forage for wild mushrooms or opt for readily available varieties, the key is to embrace the simplicity of this dish and let the natural flavors shine. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to rediscover the heartwarming essence of Mushroom Kuba. Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder November 22, 2024 30 min.3 h1/5 30 min. 3 h 1/5 Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Chef’s knife1x Cutting Board1x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT)1x Plate1x Colander1x Large Sauce Pan or Medium Pot (6QT)1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula1x Large Sauté Pan or Stir Fry Pan1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press1x Baking Dish 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Chef’s knife 1x Cutting Board 1x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT) 1x Plate 1x Colander 1x Large Sauce Pan or Medium Pot (6QT) 1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula 1x Large Sauté Pan or Stir Fry Pan 1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press 1x Baking Dish Directions: 1. Soak pearls barley: To start preparing the Mushroom Kuba (Houbovy Kuba), begin by soaking the pearl barley. 1.1. Place into a medium mixing bowl: 2 cups of dried pearl barley 6 cups of cold water Thoroughly stir. 1.2. Cover with a plate and let sit in water until partially softened (about 2 – 3 hours or overnight). 1.3. Before cooking, drain the pearl barley over a colander. 2. Cook pearls barley: 2.1. Place into the pot: Drained pearl barley 4 cups of water 1 TSP of whole caraway seeds Briefly stir, cover with the lid, place it on medium-high heat and bring it to a light simmer (temperature about 195°F). 2.2. Cook, covered with the lid, stirring occasional, until the pearls barley are soft and their texture is pleasant to eat (usually about 30 – 40 minutes). Important: Taste before completing this step. Add more water if the liquid dilutes too much during cooking. Taste before completing this step. Add more water if the liquid dilutes too much during cooking. 2.3. Set aside for a later step. 3. Sauté onion: 3.1. Preheat a sauté pan on medium-high heat with 5 TBSP of frying oil and add: 1 large onion – finely chopped Sauté with occasional stirring until glossy (about 2 – 3 minutes). 3.2. Then add: 1 LB of mushrooms of your choice Sauté until mushrooms get nicely cooked and reduce their volume (usually about 3 – 5 minutes). 3.3. Add: Cooked pearls barley Sauté for an additional 3 – 5 minutes while constant stirring. 3.4. Set the pan on the burner (leave pearl barley, mushrooms, and onions in the pan). 4. Baking preparation: 4.1. Set oven to preheat to 350°F. 4.2. Remove a stick of butter from the refrigerator and grease the baking dish. 5. Assemble Mushroom Kuba Houbovy Kuba: 5.1. Add to the sauté pan (at this point out of burner): ½ stick of butter – cut into a few slices 2 TBSP of dried marjoram 5 cloves of garlic – grated 1 TSP of salt ½ TSP of ground pepper Thoroughly stir until fully combined. 5.2. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. 5.3. Place the mixture into the baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. 6. Bake & serve Mushroom Kuba Houbovy Kuba: 6.1. Place into the preheated oven and bake until the surface turns a nice, appetizing color (usually about 15 minutes). 6.2. Remove from the oven (can be served immediately). 6.3. Scoop on individual plates & serve. Mushroom Kuba (Houbovy Kuba): A Czech Christmas Classic Reimagined Read more Mushroom Kuba, a traditional Czech Christmas Eve dish, offers a delightful journey back to simpler times. This hearty vegetarian meal, also known as Houbovy Kuba, beautifully combines the chewy texture of pearl barley with the savory depth of mushrooms, all enhanced by a fragrant blend of spices like marjoram and cloves. Creating this culinary masterpiece is a simple yet rewarding experience. Begin by soaking 2 cups of dried pearl barley in 6 cups of water for several hours until softened. Then, cook the barley in 4 cups of fresh water with a teaspoon of caraway seeds until tender. While the barley simmers, sauté a finely chopped onion in 5 tablespoons of lard (or your preferred oil) until glossy. Add a pound of sliced mushrooms and cook until their volume reduces. Now, combine the cooked barley with the mushroom and onion mixture. In the same pan, melt ½ stick of butter and infuse the dish with 2 tablespoons of dried marjoram, 5 cloves of grated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Transfer the Kuba mixture to the dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve this comforting dish immediately and relish the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Mushroom Kuba is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary tradition that embodies the spirit of togetherness and festive cheer. With its hearty texture, earthy flavors, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to delight your senses and warm your heart, whether enjoyed as part of a Christmas Eve celebration or simply as a comforting vegetarian option. Read less About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to): Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). 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Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. 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