Since colonial times, buckwheat has been an important grain cop in the United States, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the nutritional value of this broad-leaf grain was fully realized. Nutritionally superior to other grains, buckwheat is protein rich and can help to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure if incorporated into a healthy diet. Cooking raw buckwheat takes little more than a few minutes, making it a simple side dish to accompany your main course or an effective thickener to soups and stews.
Step 1
Pour the desired amount of fresh, raw buckwheat into a strainer.
Step 2
Rinse the buckwheat under cool running water.
Step 3
Empty the buckwheat from the strainer into a pot with water; for every one part of buckwheat add 2 cups of water.
Step 4
Bring the pot to a boil on the stove on high heat.
Step 5
Reduce the temperature to medium and allow the buckwheat to simmer with a lid on the pot for 15 to 30 minutes or until it is tender. Stir the buckwheat occasionally to keep a smooth consistency.
Tip
Use broth in place of water for cooking to add flavor. Adding butter or oil to the buckwheat while cooking can help prevent it from clumping.