Kuba Mushroom Barley Casserole
A traditional Czech dish, Houbový Kuba, is a hearty and flavorful casserole made with pearl barley, dried mushrooms, onions, garlic, and marjoram. It's a rustic and comforting meal, often served during the Christmas season as a meatless main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.33 cups Pearl barley
- 7 handfuls Dried mushrooms(ideally European origin, about 5g per handful)
- 2 Tablespoons Lard or unsalted butter
- 2 medium Small onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(pressed)
- 0.5 Tablespoon Dried marjoram
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 Tbsp Lard or butter(for greasing the baking dish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place dried mushrooms in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes. Set aside, reserving the mushroom stock, and chop mushrooms coarsely.
- 2
Cook pearl barley in salted water according to package instructions, or use some of the reserved mushroom broth for more flavor. Drain any excess liquid.
- 3
In a high-sided frying pan, sauté the finely chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of lard or butter until golden brown.
- 4
Add the cooked barley, chopped mushrooms, pressed garlic, and dried marjoram to the pan with the onions. Season with salt. Rub marjoram between fingers before adding to release aroma.
- 5
Grease a baking dish with lard or butter. Pour the mushroom barley mixture into the dish and smooth the surface.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden and the barley has a slight crunch. Do not cover the casserole dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more intense flavor, use mushroom broth to cook the barley.
- ✓Rubbing dried marjoram between your fingers before adding it will release its aroma.
- ✓Some variations include a pinch of black pepper for a slight spice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Can be made vegetarian or with added bacon or smoked ham.
- Use fresh mushrooms if available, though dried mushrooms provide a more concentrated flavor.