Houbový Kuba (Bohemian Pearl Barley & Black Forest Mushroom Bake) – Authentic Czech Republic Recipe
Ancient Czech Christmas and winter hearth dish baking plump pearl barley with forest mushrooms and marjoram.
- Country of Origin
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic (Central Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Pearl barley, Dried porcini and fresh cremini mushrooms, Caramelized onions, Lots of crushed garlic, Rubbed marjoram
Ingredients for Houbový Kuba (Bohemian Pearl Barley & Black Forest Mushroom Bake) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) pearl barley, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups dried porcini and fresh cremini mushrooms, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lots of crushed garlic
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Czech Republic seasoning (rubbed marjoram, caraway seeds, black pepper)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, lots of crushed garlic, and rubbed marjoram, caraway seeds, black pepper for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine pearl barley and dried porcini and fresh cremini mushrooms with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with caramelized onions and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.