Breakfast/ Breakfast & Desserts/ Pasta, Rice, Grains/ Russian Monday

Russian Monday: “Kasha” – Millet Porridge with Butternut Squash & Golden Raisins

Kasha is a special dish in Russian cuisine – very common and unremarkable, nevertheless having its own special worldwide reputation in line with borsch, Russian cabbage soup, kvass, and vodka. Kasha is a subject of national pride, but first of all – the peak of ancient Russian culinary arts.

Kasha has always been a ceremonial, customary dish at the forefront of the feast table, for example during wedding receptions. Sometimes word “kasha” has been used to name the feast itself, or even peace agreement sealed during such feast made by former enemies. Word “kasha” also has been used for certain collective actions – large gathering or even military campaign. Apparently, some historians claim that all feasts and banquets in ancient Russia have been either “kasha-feasts” or otherwise, i.e. less significant by importance. Chronicles of 12th-14th century mention how Earl Alexander Nevsky has organized “big kasha” in cities of Toropets and Novgorod. Kasha can be really filling indeed, but the use of this word for naming, the feast was meant to have the special significance of bringing people together to make them closer to each other.

Buternut squash with leaves

“To cook kasha” means not only to cook a dish but figuratively speaking it means to do important work together, to build a strong and trusting relationship.

For more Russian recipes, visit Russian Cuisine page.

Buternut squash with leaves

History of millet kasha goes far back in time. It is mentioned even in a Bible. In ancient Russia, millet kasha has been very popular. Each household had their own recipe of making hearty and tasty kasha unlike any other. Grains and cereals today are cheap, very common and at the same time, it is a nutritious product available to anyone. Grains can be easily cooked in any kitchen. Diet millet kasha with pumpkin will provide your body with positive energy for the whole day and keep your body slim and fit.

Millet Porridge with Butternut Squash & Golden Raisins

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups millet, rinse well in warm water
  • 3 1/2 cups of milk or water
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins (or dried cranberries/currents)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Instructions

1

In a medium cooking pan combine millet with milk, butternut squash, raisins, salt, and honey. Bring to a boil.

2

Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes. Millet grains and squash should be soft.

3

Add more milk if needed if grains aren’t soft and continue to cook.

4

Serve with butter. You may also add maple syrup. Serve hot or warm.

Notes

  • 1 cup dry, raw millet yields about 3 1/2 cups cooked millet
  • to cook 1 cup of millet you'll need 2 cups of water if you want to make a creamier porridge, increase the milk or water to 3 cups
  • you can purchase millet at stores like Whole Foods or online from Bob's Red Mill


Have a good breakfast, lunch or even dinner 🙂

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6 Comments

  • Reply
    Elen Smirnova
    August 12, 2013 at 5:05 am

    Omg! This is my favourite breakfast in autumn, when we have fresh pumpkins, sold in the markets)) Good and healthy)))

  • Reply
    Rosa's Yummy Yums
    August 12, 2013 at 5:40 am

    A very healthy porridge. I think I'd eat that dish for lunch rather than for breakfast.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Reply
    Melissa
    February 25, 2022 at 8:36 am

    This looks delicious! I thought kasha traditionally referred to buckwheat, not millet.

    • Reply
      Yelena Strokin
      March 8, 2022 at 4:02 am

      “Kasha” in Russian means porridge, which can be made with any kind of grain. The wold “kasha” just miss-used.

      • Reply
        Melissa
        March 8, 2022 at 4:04 am

        Oh, that makes sense! Thanks so much for the explanation.

        • Reply
          Yelena Strokin
          March 8, 2022 at 4:13 am

          You are welcome!

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