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I love buckwheat. Too bad it’s not well appreciated here in the U.S., but I hope it will catch on. Buckwheat is crazy healthy; which makes me even happier that my son ate two bowls of this in one day! It’s a wonderful alternative to rice.
The combination of buckwheat with mushrooms, onion and broth is scrumptious. You’ll forget that it’s a side dish; chomping it down then realizing you’ve missed the chicken and carrots on your plate. Read on to find out more about the triple giveaway!! Woohoo!
A note on buckwheat: I’ve never been disappointed with any brands from the local Russian store. Buckwheat that is already toasted is best, otherwise it can get a little mushy. If it’s not toasted, you can toast it yourself on a skillet for a few minutes which should help.
Ingredients for Buckwheat with Mushrooms:
1 cup whole kernel brown buckwheat
1 Tbsp olive oil or canola oil
2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt (omit salt if using regular broth)
3-4 mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp butter
How to Make Buckwheat with Mushrooms:
1. Chop mushrooms and finely dice onion. Rinse the buckwheat (get rid of that dust) and drain well.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add buckwheat and saute, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a medium pot.
3. In the same skillet (no need to wash the pan; you’re welcome), Add 1 Tbsp oil. Add onions and Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue to saute until mushrooms are soft. Add your mix to the buckwheat and stir.
4. Pour your broth over the buckwheat mix. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt (add salt only if using reduced-sodium broth) and top with 1 Tbsp butter. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat to low. Close the pot with a tight fitting lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until kernels are soft and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes:
If you want to incorporate more buckwheat into your diet but don’t want to fuss with mushrooms and such, here’s the lazy-gal’s version (don’t judge me). In a bowl of a rice maker, add 1 cup rinsed buckwheat, 1.5 cups broth or water (instead of 2 cups water; rice makers are efficient like that), 1/2 tsp salt, 1-2 Tbsp butter on top. Close the lid and push the white rice button. About 15-20 minutes later you have perfect buckwheat.
Buckwheat with Mushrooms

Ingredients
- 1 cup whole kernel brown buckwheat
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or canola oil
- 2 cups reduced sodium broth, I used reduced sodium "Better Than Bouillon" 2 tsp in 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 tsp salt, omit salt if using regular broth
- 3-4 mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Chop mushrooms and finely dice onion. Rinse the buckwheat and drain well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add buckwheat and saute, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a medium pot.
- In the same skillet, Add 1 tbsp oil. Add onions and Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue to saute until mushrooms are soft.
- Add your mix to the buckwheat and stir.
- Pour your broth over the buckwheat mix. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and top with 1 Tbsp butter. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until kernels are soft and fluffy. 6.Remove from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 10 minutes.
I think I will give it a whirl tomorrow. I’ve had grechka in my cupboard FOREVER and I never know what to do with it.
Awesome! I will try this recipe
I hope you love it!
Ok so I grew up eating this kasha/buckwheat prepared like this add to cooked bow tie noodles in a casserole dish and bake it for 30 mins til kasha golden on top. It’s kasha varnishkas !
Mmmm sounds tasty!
I love BTB! I use it for Soups stews and gravies. I don’t eat gluten, so tonight I’m using it to make some beef, buckwheat, and mushroom soup with fresh parsley. Mmm so good! I also love buckwheat with cinnamon, walnuts raisins and almond milk. Your site is great and I’m going to share this post on my FB page 🙂
Thank you Stacie :). How do you make buckwheat with cinnamon, walnuts and almond milk?
I absolutely love your site!!! Made this yesterday and my family loved it!! So easy to make!! Thank you Natasha!! :))
You’re welcome Alina; I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it 🙂
Natasha, I love your version – and the photos! I make buckwheat with mushrooms as well, but add carrots in the dish, too: http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/2007/03/heartfriendly-warm-buckwheat-and.html
Thank you for sharing your version, I will make it your way next time.
You can also make the buckwheat in the rice cooker, brown ground beef mix together. And stuff portobello mushrooms with it. The mushroom is huge, so it is filling and delicious. I brushed olive oil on the cookie sheet and baked them and put mozz. cheese on top!
Thank you for sharing that Larayna, I will have to give it a try 🙂
Hi Natasha,
New to your site and new to cooking, just wanted to know how much water did you add to the buckwheat
Vera, I used 2 cups of water and dissolved 2 tablespoons of chicken broth in it. Hope this helps
Hi,
I am thrilled to find your site.I am Russian but both my parents are Ukrainian. Currently I am on a strict diet but I am able to eat buckwheat with mushrooms and onion.I love it.I have been eating it sense childhood.I eat it now as a complete meal with no meat or fish.Sometimes I add a salad with it.But it pretty much is a filling meal.Thanks for creating your site.Have a great week.
Thank you 😉 I love buckwheat and its my sons favorite too!
Smiles.
I was wondering if you have the recipe to the alevia salad on your site? I am curios to find the English translation for it. Thanks for your help.have a great week.
Were you referring to olivye? I do have that, just search olivye in the top right search box.
Thanx for the reciepe, I just made it and it’s soo good!! Love ur website, already made so many meals using your reciepes… Thanx again!
You are very welcome Anita
Definitely a favorite of the family. My dad always says to make more but no matter how much I make, always gone in less than two days. Thanks for such an easy and delish recipe:)
Sounds like a keeper 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I love it when my parents love what I make 🙂
Looks great! And fascinating that it seems very much like the Ashkenazi Jewish dish kasha varnishkas, traditional in my husband’s family. But now I’ve started exploring my Slovenian roots and have discovered buckwheat is a staple in that cuisine, too. Lovely site!
Thank you Blair, welcome to the site.:)
Simple and delish! Thank you
You’re welcome 🙂 we are glad you enjoyed it!
LOVE this product! I use it in soup and rice 🙂 I wish they had a bigger container 🙂 So happy for you and your blog, it’s really taking off! Many more blessings! <3
Believe it or not I.never tried boulion in any of my soups that I make or any other food I make.After seeing all your recipes I want to try it …. I hope I get this gift:)))
Hi! I really love using this better than bullion in many dishes instead of broth or just water. It adds really great flavor without having to add meat. 🙂
I love to use this for tsupa Toscana it’s delish
Love it in soups.
I shared your blog on facebook.
Pinned your Spartak recipe, my favorite cake!
http://pinterest.com/pin/133841420146557692/