Grechaniki
Buckwheat Cutlets
Grechaniki are savory cutlets made primarily from buckwheat, often combined with minced meat, onions, and sometimes mushrooms. They are a hearty and nutritious dish, reflecting the historical importance of buckwheat in Belarusian cuisine. These cutlets are typically pan-fried until golden brown and served with sour cream or a savory sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked buckwheat groats
- 250 g Ground meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2-3 tbsp All-purpose flour or breadcrumbs(for coating)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil(for frying)
- for serving Sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the cooked buckwheat groats, ground meat, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- 2
Shape the mixture into small, flattened cutlets (about 1-inch thick). If the mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- 3
Place the flour or breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Dredge each cutlet in the flour/breadcrumbs, coating both sides evenly.
- 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the grechaniki in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook them in batches.
- 5
Fry the grechaniki for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- 6
Remove the cooked grechaniki from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- 7
Serve the grechaniki hot, typically with a dollop of sour cream on the side. They can also be served with a mushroom sauce or a leek sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the buckwheat is cooked and cooled before mixing, as warm buckwheat can make the mixture too sticky.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and extra onions.
- ✓If you don't have ground meat, you can finely chop cooked chicken or pork.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Incorporate fresh dill or parsley into the mix for added freshness.