A campfire meal isn’t complete without a hearty and flavorful side dish. And what could be more satisfying than a pot of steaming hot kasha (porridge)?
This recipe for Hartanachka is a traditional dish from the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The name Hartanachka means “cooked together” or “for the group,” which reflects the fact that this dish is meant to be shared with friends and family.
Hartanachka is unique in that it is traditionally cooked over a campfire. The smoky flavor from the fire adds a special touch to the dish. Additionally, Hartanachka is a one-pot meal that includes meat, potatoes, and millet, making it both a main course and a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 400 grams (14 ounces) meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 3 liters (12 cups) water
- 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) potatoes
- 200 grams (7 ounces) millet
- 4 onions
- 4 eggs
- Herbs (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Sunflower oil (to taste)
Instructions:
- Fill a cauldron with water and bring to a boil.
- While the water is boiling, cut the meat into small pieces.
- Once the water is boiling, add the meat to the cauldron.
- Before the water returns to a boil, add the diced potatoes.
- After 20 minutes, add the millet and salt to taste.
- Once everything is cooked through, drain the water into a separate pot.
- Mash the potatoes and add the fried onions, herbs, and eggs.
- Mix everything well.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- If you don’t have a cauldron, you can use a large pot or Dutch oven.
- You can adjust the amount of meat, potatoes, and millet to your liking.
- For a vegetarian version of Hartanachka, omit the meat and add additional vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Hartanachka can also be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the millet is cooked through.