Kasha and Varnishkes is a traditional Eastern European dish made with Buckwheat groats and bowtie noodles, and usually cottage cheese. I use pesto here to add the richness of the cheese and added flavor, and add veggies as well.

Use whole-grain noodles for fiber as well as flavor too!

Ingredients: 

1 onion, chopped or sliced

6 oz. whole-grain Bow tie or corkscrew noodles

2/3 C buckwheat groats

1, 1/3 C water

2 T soy sauce

3 ribs celery, sliced

3 leaves kale, chopped

Batch of artichoke pesto, (below)                               

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 C pine nuts , optional

Fresh parsley, optional

Artichoke Pesto
1 bunch basil leaves
1 can artichoke hearts drained
1 big clove garlic
 salt and pepper to taste

Whiz everything together in food processor until smooth

Instructions: 

Cook pasta according to directions.

Whiz all ingredients for the artichoke pesto in a food processor.

Heat a Teflon wok or large skillet over medium-low heat. 

Add onion and sauté for 4 minutes. 

Add celery, kale and soy sauce and kasha. 

Sauté until dry, about 4 minutes. 

Add water, salt and pepper.  

Bring to boil under higher heat.  Then simmer, covered for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. 

Add the pasta and pesto. 

Sprinkle each serving with pine nuts and parsley, (optional).