How to Cook Buckwheat - Olga in the Kitchen (2024)

Buckwheat is a healthy, gluten-free seed with a nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. It is not as popular as oats and wheat and often under-appreciated, but it’s so easy to prepare and inexpensive. Its name “buckwheat” is a little confusing and included in the list of grains, but it is not related to wheat and it is not a grain. It’s just as simple to prepare as White Rice. Learn How to Cook Buckwheat Kasha perfectly every time!

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I was not a buckwheat eater for all my childhood and youth years. About 2 years ago I somehow made myself try it and over these years it became one of my favorite easy meals to enjoy.

Buckwheat kasha is very versatile and can be eaten as a porridge for breakfast to replace those colorful breakfast cereals or as savory dish for lunch or dinner. It is great served with Pork Meatballs, Chicken Drumsticks or Tenderloins with a side of asparagus or Lettuce Radish Salad. In under an hour, you can prepare a wonderful and satisfying meal.

What is Buckwheat?

Buckwheat is a healthy, gluten-free seed with a nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. Often times its name “buckwheat” is a little confusing and included in the list of grains, but it is not related to wheat and it is not a grain.It’s just as simple to prepare as White Rice, but considered as one of the healthiest meals. If you are trying to avoid gluten and eat gluten free, buckwheat is perfect for you!

Where Can I Purchase Buckwheat?

We love this buckwheat sold at the Russian, European or Asian markets. It usually comes pre-toasted and is golden brown color. If the buckwheat you purchased is not toasted, toasting buckwheat is pretty simple.

You can quickly toast it on a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Then remove from heat and proceed with the recipe.

As much as I am trying to stick to organic products, this is probably the only time I would not purchase organic product. Organic buckwheat comes with different texture than what we are used to, therefore, this recipe just might not work with it well.

I always make sure to have buckwheat in my pantry and never run low. It’s one of the easiest meals to prepare, especially when I’m in a hurry or running out of dinner ideas.

Ingredients for Cooked Buckwheat:

You will need only 4 ingredients to cook buckwheat kasha. Usually water is not really considered as an ingredient, but in this case we do consider it as one as it’s the only liquid kind. Adding a bit of unsalted butter will give cooked buckwheat some extra flavor so it does not taste dry and does not stick. Also, a bit of fine salt to make it extra tasty.

How to Cook Buckwheat?

1. Place 1 cup toasted buckwheat groats into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Drain it well.
2. In a small saucepan (covered with lid), bring 1 1/2 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt to a boil over high heat.
3. Stir in the buckwheat into boiled water and cover saucepan with lid. Bring back to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water is absorbed, 13-15 minutes. (Just like rice, you should hear hissing while it’s cooking and it will get quiet once done). Nonstick saucepans will take 2-3 minutes longer to cook buckwheat.
4. Remove from heat and let the buckwheat rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. This serving will make about 3 cups of cooked buckwheat. Add more butter if desired, but avoid stirring too much to prevent from mushing cooked buckwheat.
5. Enjoy fresh or refrigerate once cooled. Avoid leaving at room temperature for prolonged hours.

Why Buckwheat is Good for You?

Buckwheat is superfood! It is healthy, low carb, gluten free and is a great source of potassium, fiber, iron, protein and vitamin B6. It is also really good for your immune system as it is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.

Because it does not contain gluten, for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, buckwheat is an excellent dietary alternative.

How to Avoid Mushy Buckwheat?

Try your best to purchase buckwheat from an Eastern European market or here (same one). The texture of the buckwheat from these sources is denser and prevents it from overcooking avoiding the mushy results.

Follow the recipe for water ratio and cooking time. More water or prolonged cooking time will both lead to mushy buckwheat. However, mushy buckwheat is not all bad and is delicious either way. Many of my family members actually prefer it mushy and mushy is easier for toddlers to bite and chew.

How to Reheat Cooked Buckwheat?

The easiest way to reheat cooked buckwheat is using microwave. Cover with plastic food wrap or there is a possibility buckwheat will pop all over the interior of the microwave.

Buckwheat can also be reheated in a nonstick skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or no butter. Cover with lid to ensure even and faster heating. It will take few minutes.

Benefits of Buckwheat:

• Buckwheat is rich in iron and antioxidants.
• It keeps you full longer.
• It is loaded with minerals and vitamins.
• It’s gluten-free and great for dieting to help with weight loss.
• It’s inexpensive and so easy to prepare.

Love These Easy How-To Tutorials? We Got More Here:

• Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs (Every Time) – easy to peel and no more dark green color around the yolk
• How to Cook White Rice – just as easy as buckwheat and goes well with so many meals
• Homemade Dulce de Leche – smooth and thick results every time
• Oven Dried Bread – mom’s method; so easy and perfect for those delicious meatballs
• Buying, Grinding and Storing Ground Pork Meat – learn how to always have ground meat in your freezer