Slovenian Buckwheat Porridge with Mushrooms and Sour Cream
A rustic and flavorful dish featuring cooked buckwheat groats (ajda) combined with sautéed wild mushrooms and finished with a dollop of cooling sour cream. This is a simple yet satisfying meal, often found in Slovenian homes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Buckwheat groats (ajdova kaša)
- 400 ml Water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 300 g Mixed wild mushrooms (e.g., porcini, chanterelles), cleaned and sliced
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- to serve Sour cream (kisla smetana)
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the buckwheat groats under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any bitterness.
💡 Tip: Rinsing is an important step for preparing buckwheat. - 2
In a saucepan, combine the rinsed buckwheat, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the buckwheat is tender.
💡 Tip: Cook the buckwheat until it's fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid. - 3
While the buckwheat is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and have released their liquid, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary for better browning. - 4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Add garlic towards the end to prevent it from burning. - 5
Stir the cooked mushrooms and garlic into the cooked buckwheat. Add most of the chopped parsley and season with black pepper.
💡 Tip: Mix gently to combine the ingredients without mashing the buckwheat. - 6
Serve the buckwheat porridge hot, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: This dish is often served as a side or a light main course.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use dried mushrooms by rehydrating them in hot water first; use the soaking liquid in place of some of the water for cooking the buckwheat.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushrooms while sautéing.
- ✓Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or marjoram for extra flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crispy fried onions or bacon bits on top.
- Incorporate finely chopped leeks or shallots with the mushrooms.
- For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.