Recipe: Savory buckwheat pilaf with toasted spices

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
• 1 tomato, peeled and seeded, then diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander)

Directions

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the buckwheat groats, garlic, cumin seed, mustard seed and cardamom. Saute, stirring constantly, until the spices and garlic are fragrant and the buckwheat is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Carefully pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomato and salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the cilantro. Serve immediately.