Preparing buckwheat: as a side dish, salad, and breakfast

A pack of buckwheat can be incorporated into your diet in many different ways. Before you put the pot on the stove, it's worth making a decision: do you want individual grains for a salad, a warm side dish, or a softer breakfast porridge? The recipe and preparation instructions you need will depend on this.

• Check the product form: Whole grains, flakes, and flour fulfill different purposes.
• Use the packaging information: The amount of water and cooking time must match the specific product.
• Think ahead about the dish: Plan for dressing, vegetables, or fruit before you start cooking.

What exactly is buckwheat?

Buckwheat is used like a grain, but botanically it belongs to the knotweed family. Its nutty aroma suits both savory and sweet dishes. The product information from Alnatura describes whole grains, among other things, as a cooked side dish and an ingredient for salads.

Therefore, look at your own package first. The name "buckwheat" alone does not indicate whether you have whole grains, roasted product, or a further processed form in front of you.

How do you prepare whole grains?

A cooking example for hulled, unroasted grains is provided by Rapunzel. The following quantity is weighed dry, before washing:

1. Wash 250 g of buckwheat in a fine sieve.
2. Bring to a boil in a pot with about 625 ml of water.
3. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Then let it soak for 5 minutes.

These quantities and times belong to the manufacturer's example mentioned. For your pack, follow its specific preparation instructions. Already cooked buckwheat has a different weight; roasted grains, flakes, and flour each require their own suitable instructions.

How do you turn it into a savory side dish?

Start with a simple combination, such as cooked buckwheat, roasted vegetables, and a separately prepared sauce. This way you can get to know the flavor without hiding it under a lot of spices. Mushrooms, carrots, or herbs are potential companions; it is better to choose a few intentionally.

If you want to cook vegetables and buckwheat together, use a recipe specifically developed for this. Different ingredients do not automatically require the same amount of liquid or cooking time. Preparing them separately makes it easier to cook each component perfectly.

What counts for a buckwheat salad?

Consider first what texture you are looking for. For a salad with cucumber, bell pepper, or herbs, recognizable individual grains can be more pleasant than a mushy base. Tailor the preparation accordingly and mix the ingredients gently.

Add the dressing in portions instead of stirring everything in at once. If preparing a salad for later, it is best to prepare delicate leaves and the dressing separately and combine them only when serving. The usual kitchen hygiene rules apply to cooling and storage.

If you would like to complement your buckwheat salad with nuts, nuts as a salad topping will help you choose. Prepare the nuts separately and sprinkle them on when serving so that you can specifically determine the quantity and piece size.

Does buckwheat also work for breakfast?

For a warm breakfast, a porridge recipe specifically formulated for whole buckwheat grains is ideal. A recipe for flakes cannot be adapted simply by exchanging the ingredient. Combine the finished porridge with, for example, apple, cinnamon, or a spoonful of nut butter, and sweeten only after tasting.

How do you plan your shopping and pantry?

Choose a pack size that fits your meals and follow the storage instructions. Keep the product name and preparation instructions even when transferring to new containers. On our buckwheat page, you will find current product details and order status. Further ideas for your pantry can be found in our selection of baking and cooking ingredients.