Easy Buckwheat Groats Side Dish
Kasha the Overlooked Grain for Supper
Let's face it, the challenge of coming up with what to have for supper is often more difficult than making supper. Even for those of us who love to cook, remaining creative with daily family meal can be challenging when we fall into a rut. Time constraints and little prep time can get in the way when we are looking for something quick and easy. Suddenly everyone is hungry and a hot supper needs to be ready soon. Its a tall order to keep the meal rounded out and healthy when so many demands are made on us and once again its time to eat. Combine all that with your real desire to feed your loved ones food that will be good for them, and it would appear that it is a difficult task.
But, not so fast, buckwheat groats might just be what you are looking to add to your options of side dishes. Originating in Eurasia, this crop is a dietary staple of Eastern Europeans and has migrated to other parts of that continent as well. However, in the United States you may be harder pressed to find this grain on shelves near you. Look for it at natural foods stores and coops, as well as international groceries. Groats are the grain kernel that has been stripped of it's hull and slightly crushed. If you find that you have an option of roasted or unroasted, go for the unroasted. The roasted groats are called kasha and are so processed due to the natural bitterness of the grain. If you buy the unroasted variety, it is a simple matter to toast it on the stovetop just before use for a dish that is more flavorful and higher in nutrients.
Its highly nutritious value is a huge draw of this versatile grain. According to the "Vegetarian Paradise" website, it is unusually high in protein, fiber, iron and other minerals. It's got lots of the good stuff and little to be concerned about, nor is it an "empty" food like so many others such as white rice or semolina pasta. And for the clincher; it tastes good and adds that variety that your tastebuds are hungry for.
This recipe will take you only a few minutes to put together and can round out a meal of beef, pork or chicken. It can also work well as a base for virtually any topping you can think of, from a vegetarian stir-fry to a Italian marinara. Without the onion and garlic, you might eat this grain as a breakfast cereal with sweeter additions. Use your imagination and don't let any preconceived notions get in the way of expanding your side dish options!
Easy Buckwheat Groats Side Dish
- 1 1/2 cups unroasted buckwheat groats
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup salted butter
- 1 clove crushed or chopped garlic
- black pepper to taste
- Heat medium size saucepan to high warm, add just the groats to the hot pan and stir constantly for about 4 minutes and you see that the kernels are light rust colored. You may increase or decrease the toasting time once you have experimented with the slightly different flavor this produces.
- Add 3 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pan with the groats and reduce heat to medium. When all water is absorbed in about 10 minutes, turn off the heat.
- While groats and water are cooking, in a different pan saute the following
- Add garlic to the onion mixture when the onion is nearly tender. Add the onion/garlic mixture to the cooked groats. Toss together and serve.
What do you think about this article?
More in Food & Drink
Latest Articles