This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. I love buckwheat. Too bad it’s not well appreciated here in the U.S., but I hope it will catch on. Buckwheat is crazy healthy; which makes me even happier that my son ate two bowls of this in one day! It’s a wonderful alternative to rice. The combination of buckwheat with mushrooms, onion and broth is scrumptious. You’ll forget that it’s a side dish; chomping it down then realizing you’ve missed the chicken and carrots on your plate. Read on to find out more about the triple giveaway!! Woohoo! A note on buckwheat: I’ve never been disappointed with any brands from the local Russian store. Buckwheat that is already toasted is best, otherwise it can get a little mushy. If it’s not toasted, you can toast it yourself on a skillet for a few minutes which should help.
Ingredients for Buckwheat with Mushrooms:
1 cup whole kernel brown buckwheat 1 Tbsp olive oil or canola oil 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth 1/2 tsp salt (omit salt if using regular broth) 3-4 mushrooms, sliced 1/2 medium onion, finely diced 1 Tbsp butter
How to Make Buckwheat with Mushrooms:
Chop mushrooms and finely dice onion. Rinse the buckwheat (get rid of that dust) and drain well.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add buckwheat and saute, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a medium pot.
In the same skillet (no need to wash the pan; you’re welcome), Add 1 Tbsp oil. Add onions and Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue to saute until mushrooms are soft. Add your mix to the buckwheat and stir.
Pour your broth over the buckwheat mix. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt (add salt only if using reduced-sodium broth) and top with 1 Tbsp butter. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat to low. Close the pot with a tight fitting lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until kernels are soft and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes:
If you want to incorporate more buckwheat into your diet but don’t want to fuss with mushrooms and such, here’s the lazy-gal’s version (don’t judge me). In a bowl of a rice maker, add 1 cup rinsed buckwheat, 1.5 cups broth or water (instead of 2 cups water; rice makers are efficient like that), 1/2 tsp salt, 1-2 Tbsp butter on top. Close the lid and push the white rice button. About 15-20 minutes later you have perfect buckwheat.
