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Savory buckwheat pilaf with toasted spices

April 8, 2020
Recipe

Buckwheat groats take the place of rice in this pilaf seasoned with fresh herbs and pungent spices.

Serves 6

Despite the name, buckwheat groats aren't related to wheat and are naturally gluten-free.


In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the buckwheat groats, garlic, cumin seed, mustard seed and cardamom. Saute, stirring constantly, until the spices and garlic are fragrant and the buckwheat is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Carefully pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomato and salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the cilantro. Serve immediately.


  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup buckwheat groats
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 cups unsalted (no salt added) vegetable stock or broth
  • 1 tomato, peeled and seeded, then diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) 1 Fats and oils Fruits 1 1/2 Grains and grain products Meats, poultry and fish Nuts, seeds and dry beans Sweets 1 Vegetables

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

1 Fats Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fruits Meat and meat substitutes Milk and milk products 1 Nonstarchy vegetables 1 1/2 Starches Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

1 1/2 Carbohydrates 1 Fats Fruits Protein and dairy Sweets 1 Vegetables

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calcium 168 Calories 28 g Total carbohydrate 0 mg Cholesterol 4 g Dietary fiber 4 g Monounsaturated fat Potassium 5 g Protein 1 g Saturated fat About 3/4 cup Serving size 135 mg Sodium 4 g Total fat