An Ode to Buckwheat Bowls

I love my buckwheat bowls. It’s no secret. They’ve become not only a standard breakfast favorite of mine, but have easily taken over as my top choice over oatmeal.

(Pictured Above: Blueberry Muffin Buckwheat Bowl)

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This is a post that’s been a long time coming, but after being prompted yesterday by a reader (thanks, Pamela!) I’ve finally put together some information about my one of my favorite breakfast staples.

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Some Basics About Buckwheat

• What is it? – Buckwheat is not a cereal grain or a wheat product. It’s actually a “fruit seed,” or pseudograin, and it’s thus in the same family as quinoa, wild rice, and amaranth, and suitable for those on gluten or wheat free diets. It is a good source of linoleic (Omega-6) fatty acids, B vitamins, eight essential amino acids, folic acid, and magnesium.
• Where do I buy it? – I buy mine from iHerb.com (and for first time buyers, use my coupon code, SAZ564 to receive $5.00 off your order)
• How do I cook it? – I like cooking mine on the stovetop, rather than the microwave because it’s creamier, but it can be done both ways.
  • For the stovetop: Bring the basic buckwheat combo to a boil (see below). Once brought to a boil, reduce heat to low, stir in any mix-ins, cover, and allow to simmer about 5-7 minutes or until desired creaminess is developed. Top with desired toppings.
  • For the microwave: In a large bowl, combine the basic buckwheat combo. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir in any mix-ins, microwave an additional minute. Allow to stand for 1 minute then top with desired toppings.
• How do I make it overnight? – Simply throw everything together (basic buckwheat + any mix ins and/or spices) stir to combine, and place it in the fridge overnight. That’s it! In the morning, take it out and top with your desired toppings.

Buckwheat Recipe Inspiration

If you’re just starting off with buckwheat, then make sure to start with the basics:

Basic Buckwheat Bowl

• 1/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Creamy Buckwheat Hot Cereal
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4-1/2 cup water (depending on creamy you like it)
• 1/2 mashed banana
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp extract (vanilla or almond)

Then, you can add in whichever spices and/or mix-ins you like:

• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice
• Mix-ins: fresh fruit (~1/3 cup), dried fruit (~1-2 tbsp), nut butter, 1 scoop protein powder of choice (make sure to use 1/2 cup water if adding protein), ~1-2 tbsp Greek yogurt

And finally, you add on whatever toppings you’d like:

• Dried fruit, maple syrup, nut butter, brown sugar, jam/jelly, cereal, granola, or crumbled baked goods

Of course, a basic buckwheat bowl is just that…basic. I typically like to jazz mine up a bit to make some different flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorites, in case you’re in need of a little inspiration:

PB&J Buckwheat Bowl

Banana Bread Buckwheat Bowl

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie-Topped Buckwheat Bowl

Pumpkin Buckwheat Bowl

Sunflower Seed Butter Buckwheat Bowl

Buckwheat In A Jar (BIAJ)**

**BIAJ can be made either overnight (see below) or hot. If you cook a hot buckwheat combo, allow a minute or two for it to cool before adding it into your jar (depending on if it’s glass or plastic). You don’t want this to happen!

Overnight BIAJ (OBIAJ)

Basic Buckwheat Bowl topped with granola, dried fruit, and nut butter

Hopefully, I’ve answered any of your questions that you may have had about buckwheat. I know many of you are still all about the oatmeal, and I can’t blame you…it is tasty. But I just love me some buckwheat! I’m hoping to try out some new flavor combinations soon, too.

So maybe now’s the time to give it a try?

Questions for the Evening:

Have you ever tried buckwheat?

What’s your favorite hot breakfast cereal?

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P.S. – Gotta give a quick birthday shout out to a very loyal reader…

Happy Birthday, Nicole!!

Tagged as: BIAJ, creamy buckwheat cereal, recipes with buckwheat