Buckwheat Porridge

Not doing grains at the moment? Try this earthy, warming, nutritive and delicious porridge.

Buckwheat is a seed (a plant related to rhubarb actually) and a lighter variation to oats or wheat, more nutritious than rice.

  • Good for all doshas especially Kapha balancing with its light, warming & dry qualities.

  • Health benefits of buckwheat:

    • High in protein; strengthening

    • Rich in magnesium, zinc and iron all minerals essential for our bone health

    • Easy to digest when prepared properly

    • Lowers cholesterol

    • Helps control blood sugar levels (diabetics)

    • Buckwheat is recommended for people who suffer with bloating and severe IBS, such as buckwheat pancakes

  • Serves 2


Ingredients

1 Tab. ghee

½ cup organic buckwheat

1-1½ cups filtered, boiling water

3 Tabs sultanas or chopped dates

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cardamom

2 tsp organic raw sugar

¼ - ½ cup organic milk of choice (Vata can have more and will do best with cow’s milk, Kapha can omit milk)

Extra ghee for Vata imbalance


Directions

1. Warm ghee in a saucepan, then add the buckwheat.

2. Toast until aromatic (5-7 mins); this makes it lighter to digest.

3. Add boiling water to split the buckwheat seeds apart and make them lighter to digest.

4. Cook for at least 20 minutes. You may need to add another half cup of water. Make sure you’re always adding warm water to warm food; doesn’t hamper digestibility.

5. Add sultanas or chopped dates and spices whilst cooking.

6. Add sugar and stir in well to dissolve.

7. Stir in milk and let it come to a boil; lightens for digestion.

8. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of cinnamon and some caramelising jaggery if you want some extra sweetness, but not in the case of Kapha dominance.

Vata peeps with dryness (especially during autumn and winter) stir in a generous teaspoon of ghee. Yummo!


NOTES

  • Kapha dominant - omit milk, ghee & add more ginger powder

  • Fruit and grains are typically considered a poor food combination hampering good digestion. However buckwheat, whilst pungent, also has a sweet taste profile so matches the sweet taste of sultanas, raisins and dates making them more compatible.