Grechnevaya Kasha
Russian Buckwheat Porridge
A staple in Russian cuisine, Grechnevaya Kasha is a hearty and nutritious porridge made from toasted buckwheat groats. It can be served as a simple side dish or a satisfying breakfast, often enhanced with butter or milk.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Buckwheat groats (roasted or raw)(If using raw buckwheat, toasting is essential for flavor. Roasted buckwheat is also available and can be used directly.)
- 400 ml Water(Or vegetable broth for added flavor.)
- 30 g Butter(Unsalted butter is recommended, adjust to taste. Can be divided for cooking and finishing.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste. Fine sea salt or kosher salt works well.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the buckwheat groats thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve. Drain well. If using raw buckwheat, toast the rinsed and drained groats in a dry, medium saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and turn a deeper golden-brown color. This toasting step is crucial for developing a nutty flavor and aroma. If using pre-roasted buckwheat, you can skip this toasting step.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Add the 400ml of water (or broth) and 1 tsp of salt to the saucepan with the toasted (or raw) buckwheat. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently. Cook for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the buckwheat is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
⏱️ 15-18 minutes - 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the grains. Uncover the pot, add the butter, and gently fluff the kasha with a fork. Stir until the butter is melted and evenly distributed throughout the grains. Serve hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toasting the buckwheat groats in a dry pan until fragrant and golden-brown significantly enhances their nutty flavor. If you can't find pre-toasted buckwheat, this step is essential.
- ✓Buckwheat is often referred to as a 'superfood' due to its rich nutritional profile, including fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- ✓For a classic breakfast, serve Grechnevaya Kasha hot with a generous dollop of butter and a splash of milk or cream. It can also be sweetened with honey or sugar.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions can be added during the simmering stage for a savory variation.
- For a sweet version, stir in honey, jam, or fresh berries after fluffing with butter.