A New Ingredient for the New Year
Pick a new ingredient that you’ve been wanting to try… and cook or bake up a new recipe in the new year. Are you curious about nutritional yeast, fish sauce, matcha, teff – or maybe even ugli fruit? Show us how you’re cooking with something new (to you!) in 2016.
Are you ready to start cooking with new ingredients? This month’s Recipe Redux theme is all about trying new things in the kitchen. I love experimenting with new foods so I am looking forward to seeing all the recipes from the other members. Check out the links at the bottom of the post if you are looking for inspiration to try some new ingredients!
I had only ever had buckwheat in pancake form. But did you know it also makes a great breakfast cereal? Lately I’ve been loving Cream of Buckwheat instead of oatmeal on cold winter mornings. To me it is very similar to Cream of Wheat but creamier and not gritty at all.
Despite it’s name, buckwheat does not contain wheat, it is actually a fruit seed and is related to the rhubarb plant. You may have eaten buckwheat unknowingly if you have ever eaten soba noodles or anything from the brand Kashi (another word for toasted buckwheat is kasha). You can buy dried buckwheat (sometimes called groats) which will take a little longer to cook than the Cream of Buckwheat I am talking about today. The Cream of Buckwheat also makes great grits, can be used as a baby cereal, or I have added it to creamy soups to add a little texture and extra creaminess.
Cream of Buckwheat also tastes great with fresh berries but I went a little more decadent with one of my favorite flavor combos: banana, chocolate and peanut butter. I love using mini chocolate chips because just a few give you the great taste of chocolate but it’s not so much that you wouldn’t want to eat it for breakfast. Also, don’t forget the sunflower seeds, they add a great crunch! This recipe is for two servings which I usually make and then store one in the fridge for the next day.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream of Buckwheat
Makes 2 servings
2 1/2 cups of milk (I used almond but any type would work)
1/2 cup Cream of Buckwheat
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 banana, sliced
Combine milk and buckwheat in a small saucepan. Bring to a soft boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in peanut butter, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, and sliced banana and serve.
If you are interested in trying out some more new ingredients, check out the link up below:
Be happy, be healthy!
Jodi @ The Average RD says
I have the same box of cream of buckwheat in my pantry. This looks like a great recipe to use to introduce buckwheat to my kiddos. Thanks for sharing!
HappyHealthyRD says
You’re welcome Jodi! I hope your kids like it!
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
OK – I’ve never seen this Cream of Buckwheat but definitely buying some on my next grocery store trip as I always loved Cream of Wheat growing up. And you sure sweetened the deal with the Chocolate PB combo – pinning to my PB & Chocolate Love board!
Deanna Segrave-Daly recently posted…Pasta e Fagioli with Greens | The Recipe ReDux
HappyHealthyRD says
Glad to hear it Deanna! I found it near all the other hot cereals at my grocery store. Enjoy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I loves Bob’s Red Mill buckwheat cereal, but it is an essential breakfast option for me! Tooo good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Vanilla Rhubarb Yogurt Blue Cornbread
HappyHealthyRD says
I’ll have to try Bob’s version next time. I love all their grains!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I love oatmeal and never really got into cream of wheat, but this cream of buckwheat may change my mind – especially with these decadent toppings!
HappyHealthyRD says
I hope you give it a try…it’s a really satisfying breakfast option!
EA-The Spicy RD says
I grew up eating {lumpy} Cream of Wheat, so when I started a gluten-free diet 6 years ago, I think one of the first things I tried was Cream of Buckwheat. LOVE all your yummy toppings!
HappyHealthyRD says
Thanks! And lumpy Cream of Wheat sounds awful….
Marry says
It looks so tasty! I decide to make this recipe at home but I realize that my son can not eat sunflower seeds. Could I replace it?
Marry recently posted…6 Ways Pressure Cooker is Better than Slow Cooker
HappyHealthyRD says
Sure! I think sliced almonds or chopped pecans would also work.
Steph says
I’ve never seen cream of buckwheat in the stores, but I do love using various grains for breakfast!