Mushroom Barley Casserole (Czech Houbový Kuba)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
328 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Czech
Mushroom Barley Casserole (Czech Houbový Kuba)
Description
Mushroom Barley Casserole (Houbový Kuba) is a traditional Czech recipe featuring pearl barley cooked in a mix of salted water and savory mushroom broth derived from boiling dried mushrooms. Once tender, the barley is combined with coarsely chopped cooked mushrooms, sautéed golden onions, pressed garlic, and dried marjoram, all brought together in a frying pan with lard or butter for richness and earthy aroma.
The mixture is transferred to a greased baking dish and baked until flavors meld and the surface firms. The balance of the chewy pearled barley with the tender mushrooms and the aromatic notes of garlic and marjoram delivers a rustic, comforting dish. Pearled barley is recommended for its quicker cooking and tender yet slightly chewy texture, perfectly complementing the mushrooms.
Houbový Kuba is traditionally served in various ways across Czech regions, sometimes alongside sauerkraut or pickled vegetables, especially during festive meals like Christmas Eve dinner where it is shared communally. Fresh parsley may be sprinkled on top before serving for a touch of brightness.
The casserole freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months, allowing for make-ahead preparation or leftovers to be enjoyed later.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups barley pearled
- 7 handful dried mushrooms ideally of European origin; one handful has about 5 grams
- 2 Tablespoons lard (or unsalted butter)
- 2 small onion peeled and finely chopped
- ½ Tablespoon marjoram dried
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and pressed
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Place 7 handful dried mushrooms in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for ten minutes.
- Set the cooked mushrooms aside and let them cool a bit. Drain the mushrooms, reserving the mushroom stock, and chop them coarsely.
- Cook 1 ⅓ cups pearled barley in salted water according to the package instructions. You can replace some of the water with mushroom broth. This will give the mushroom Kuba a more intense flavor. After the barley is cooked, pour off any excess liquid.
- Peel and finely chop 2 small onion. Peel 3 cloves garlic and press them.
- In a high-sided frying pan, sauté the onions in 2 Tablespoons lard or unsalted butter until golden brown. Add the cooked barley, coarsely chopped mushrooms, crushed garlic, and ½ Tablespoon dried marjoram. Season with 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
- Grease the baking dish with a piece of lard or butter. Pour in the mushroom barley mixture, smoothing the surface.
- Place the mushroom Kuba in an oven preheated to 360 °F and bake for about 20 minutes. Do not cover the casserole dish. The surface will turn lightly golden, and the barley will gain a fine crunch.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4 to 6 portions, making it suitable for group meals or family dinners.
- Regional serving varies: in the Czech Krkonoše Mountains, it is often served with sauerkraut or pickled vegetables for added acidity.
- For festive occasions like Christmas Eve, casseroles of Kuba are placed centrally for communal serving.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.
- Pearled barley is preferred for its tender texture and faster cooking time compared to hulled barley.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to three months when stored airtight, retaining their flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 328 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 328kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Sodium | 1172mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 307mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 36IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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