Bonjour and welcome to Nomad Wholefoods, where I bring a taste of tradition and health right into your kitchen. I'm Marine, and today I'm excited to share with you not just one, but two comforting recipes perfect for the cooler months. Both dishes feature one of my favorite ingredients, organic buckwheat, which you can find right here at Nomad Wholefoods for a fantastic price.
Buckwheat Groats and Mushroom Risotto
Let’s start with a dish that brings warmth and comfort on any chilly evening. This recipe uses the hearty texture of buckwheat groats to create a risotto that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic buckwheat groats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warm
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to make it:
1. Start by rinsing the buckwheat groats under cold water. This helps in cooking them perfectly.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they're tender and fragrant.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden. Then, stir in the buckwheat groats to combine all the flavors.
4. Pour in the white wine, if using, and let it reduce a bit before you start adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, waiting until each is absorbed before adding the next.
5. When the groats are tender, stir in the butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve warm. This dish is a hug in a bowl!
Buckwheat Crepes
Next, let's travel to my childhood memories in France with some crepes. These are a staple most popular in northern France and are so delicious and comforting when it's chilly outside!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic buckwheat groats (to make flour)
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- Butter for cooking
- Fillings: Ham, cheese, and an egg (optional for each crepe) or vege option: spinach, mushrooms and caramelized onions or goat cheese. Options are endless!
How to prepare:
1. First, grind the buckwheat groats into flour using a blender. This fresh, homemade flour will give your crepes a unique, nutty flavor.
2. Mix the flour with water, salt, and an egg to form your batter. Let it rest to improve the texture.
3. Heat a bit of butter in a crepe pan and pour a ladle of batter, swirling to spread it thin.
4. Cook until the edges lift up, then flip. Add your fillings: ham, cheese, and maybe an egg, folding the crepe to encase the fillings. Vegetarian option: sauteed spinach and mushrooms, caramelized onions or goat cheese would blend in perfectly!
5. Serve these warm for a truly comforting meal.
Both of these dishes showcase the versatility and delight of buckwheat. Plus, using organic ingredients from Nomad Wholefoods ensures you’re feeding your family the best while supporting sustainable practices.
I hope you enjoy making these dishes as much as I love sharing them with you. Here’s to many cozy nights ahead with delicious, wholesome food. Bon appétit!