I love my Instant Pot for making grains such as buckwheat. It uses only one pot, it cooks rather quickly, and the end product is a light fluffy delicious grain that can be enjoyed as a side dish.  |
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Stove Top:
When I cook the buckwheat groats/kasha on the stove top it comes out more like a sticky wet porridge. Truthfully, I don't care for it cooked that way at all!!! f
I grew up eating kasha (buckwheat groats). Both sets of my grandparents were from the Russia area where buckwheat was a popular and healthy grain. My mom made (recipe link) kasha varnishkas which combines noodles and kasha in a tasty dish. My mother always toasted the buckwheat first and then made her recipe. It was a favorite recipe of our family. I don't remember my mother using buckwheat to make any other recipes.
The Instant Pot is Great For Making Any Grain
The Instant Pot is perfect or making brown rice, white rice, basmati rice, quinoa, buckwheat (kasha) and even pasta. Although it can be a real time saver, it is not always the case. But the reason I love cooking in the Instant Pot is not just to save time.
I love cooking in the Instant Pot because
- Everything is in one pot
- Once I close the lid, I do not have to stir, watch for spill overs, or be concerned about burning
- Clean up of the stainless steel insert liner is a cinch
- Sometimes it is a real time saver; sometimes it takes the same amount of time but I am free to walk away and it turns off by itself.
- Grains come out light and fluffy in the Instant Pot
- I can make the grain and allow it to stay warm in the Instant Pot until ready to serve
All you need to know is the ratio of grain to liquid and the time.
- Buckwheat: 1 cup
- Water: 1 and 1/2 cups
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Rest Time: 20 minutes
If you want to make a larger amount of buckwheat/kasha simply double the ratio of ingredients, but not the cook time.
The cook time remains the same.
** Add some salt and or garlic powder to the buckwheat in the Instant Pot for flavor..
Perfect Quinoa in the Instant Pot (recipe link)
Rice in the Instant Pot (1:1 ratio and cook on the rice choice)
Pasta in the Instant Pot (recipe link) ** LOVE THIS****
What is Buckwheat?
Buckwheat is a popular berry-like grain that is nutritious, hearty, and filling. It is naturally gluten-free and low in fat. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy instead of rice or quinoa.
This is another plant-based choice for vegan gluten-free eating.
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We have changed our eating habits somewhat. We’ll give buckwheat a try. Thanks to you and your Mom!
ReplyDeleteIt is somewhat of a different taste, yet extremely healthy. My mom always made it with cartelized onions and the bowtie pasta.
DeleteThis looks a good idea 😀!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirley - I do like the way the Instant Pot cooks grains- always light and fluffy.
DeleteWhat a great idea! I didn't grow up with kasha varnishkas. My mother's family was from Lithuania, and I guess it wasn't a tradition there. I learned about it from a boyfriend's mother! It's in my instant pot right now! So clever! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMake lots of sautéed onion s to eat with it and add some pasta - will be delicious. How do you eat it?
DeleteI'm not surprised that the Instant Pot does a good job with kasha. What I am surprised about is what you've done with your kasha. All I've ever done is eat it for breakfast. You have a lot of great ideas here.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
DeleteKasha varnishkas is a popular traditional dish in Eastern Europe. An authentic recipe uses bowtie pasta and lots of sautéed onions.
I've never heard of kasha, but you make it sound -- and look -- intriguing. I especially like the pic of it piled in that cute polka dot bowl. On a related note, I'm beginning to think that I need an Instant Pot . . .
ReplyDeleteKasha/buckwheat may be an acquired taste. But the Instant Pot is fabulous and I think a deal breaker in the kitchen. I use it for plant-based foods, but you can make meat stews, chili, chicken dishes as well.
DeleteIf you have more questions.. Just ask.
I rarely cook kasha because of that off taste but mostly grind them for making flour. Give it a try one more time and in instant pot. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI actually love buckwheat and recipes made using buckwheat flour (pancakes, crepes, etc.) but have learned that sadly, I can't tolerate it. Using the instant pot to create light and fluffy kasha is a great tip for folks, Judee!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Shirley
Kasha is really good in my opinion -- I always follow the recipe on the Wolf's Kasha box. It uses egg white to coat the grains and keep them separate and not mushy. Strangely, Wolf's Kasha was available in Israel, which I didn't expect.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year... mae at maefood.blogspot.com