Buckwheat Magic: Succulent Turkey and Mushrooms in Cream
Buckwheat with Turkey recipe is a real winner for those cosy nights in. Imagine the goodness of hearty buckwheat mixed with tasty turkey, all slow-cooked either in a simple clay pot or a trusty dutch oven. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and happy inside. Plus, it’s so easy to make and super budget-friendly! If you’re feeding a family, or just want leftovers for the next day, this dish is perfect. With just one go at this recipe, you’ll have a tasty meal ready for two nights. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
For an elegant variation, I recommend preparing this dish in individual clay oven pots. Serving the buckwheat directly from these rustic crockery lends a sophisticated touch, especially for special occasions. However, for simplicity, this recipe can also be seamlessly adapted to a single, oven-safe dish. I also suggest to compliment your dinner with these Quick Marinated Cherry Plum Tomatoes
Buckwheat and Turkey in Creamy Mushrooms Sauce Recipe
Description
Experience the comfy goodness of this Buckwheat and Turkey recipe. Whether you choose to cook it in traditional oven clay pots, a trusty Dutch oven, or any heavy-based dish, this meal ensures ease and satisfaction. Perfect for big family gatherings, it’s a dish that keeps on giving, serving up hearty portions for today and tomorrow!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 knob of butter in a large skillet until it is melted. Add turkey pieces and brown a bit. Remove the meat from skillet and set aside, but leave the butter juices in the skillet.
- Place chopped carrot, onion and minced or sliced garlic into the skillet, add more another third of butter and sauté vegetables for 5-10 minutes until tender.
- Return meat to the skillet, throw in the frozen mushrooms and add final third of butter. Pour in cooking cream. Salt the vegetables and meat, add peppercorns or grounded pepper. Stir all very well until combined and covered in butter-cream sauce.
- Prepare the clay pots or other oven safe dish. If using clay pots, oven should not be heated beforehand, otherwise the pots could crack. Divide the turkey and vegetables between the pots or place the mixture into the oven dish (Dutch oven, or other heavy-based dish), cover with cream sauce – do not forget to leave the space for buckwheat, and it would double it’s size while cooking.
- Rinse the buckwheat with cold water, place buckwheat into the pots, add splash of water, pinch of salt and bay leaf on top.
- Send dish to the oven. Cook for 40-50 minutes on 180C. Check the pots/oven dish time to time and add more water if buckwheat seems to be dried out but not yet ready cooked.
Turn off the heat and leave in the oven for 15 minutes before serving
Notes
- Please note, that for this recipe I used roasted buckwheat, not the raw green. Roasted buckwheat can be bought in any Eastern-European grocery stores. Raw green buckwheat is usually sold in Tesco, Aldi or Lidl, it tastes slightly differ from roasted buckwheat.
Just Simple Recipes: Bites and Bits Essentials for Buckwheat and Turkey
Buckwheat: green or roasted?
Buckwheat comes in two primary varieties: green (raw) and brown (roasted). When you start with green buckwheat seeds, they’re first threshed and the black husk is removed. To turn these seeds into the familiar brown buckwheat, commonly found in Eastern European cuisines, they undergo roasting. This process gives the grains their signature brown hue. Meanwhile, in UK grocery and health stores, you’re more likely to find the green variant. Roasting not only imparts a darker color but also acts as a safeguard, eliminating potential pathogens that might be present in the raw grain.
The primary distinction between the two types is their color. Additionally, while brown buckwheat is typically boiled, the green type can be consumed raw or sprouted. Nutritionally speaking, raw buckwheat retains about 30% more beneficial nutrients than its roasted counterpart. For instance, enzymes are abundant in raw buckwheat but are absent in the roasted form. For the recipe of Buckwheat and Turkey in Creamy sauce I suggest to use roasted brown buckwheat.
Unlocking the health benefits of buckwheat. Why buckwheat is good for you?
Buckwheat, with its earthy flavour, isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s packed with health benefits that make it a fantastic choice for meals. Rich in essential minerals and vitamins, buckwheat works wonders for the skin, nails, and hair, thanks to its abundant antioxidants. Beyond these cosmetic benefits, this easily digestible grain is a game changer for weight management and can support those on a weight loss journey. It harmoniously stabilizes our internal organs’ functions, bolsters our immune system, and even helps delay the signs of aging. One of buckwheat’s standout features is its low glycemic index, making it a reliable choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels. As a diabetic, I have transitioned from using rice as my primary side dish to incorporating buckwheat exclusively. Moreover, its capacity to kickstart metabolic processes and cleanse the body of toxins, including heavy metal salts, is noteworthy.
What further amplifies buckwheat’s value is its role in promoting healthy blood production and metabolism. It fortifies blood vessel walls, optimizes capillary permeability, and ensures efficient vitamin C absorption. Versatile as ever, buckwheat suits everyone – from kids to the elderly, vegetarians to meat-lovers. It beautifully complements animal proteins, whether that’s lean fish, poultry, seafood, or veal. Its rich fiber content makes it a digestion-friendly food. Buckwheat boasts numerous health benefits, particularly due to its rich protein content. These proteins are packed with essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan, which are vital for our body to produce its own proteins. For vegetarians, buckwheat becomes especially valuable as it can act as a supplementary source of protein, somewhat filling the gap left by meat in their diet.
Where to get buckwheat from? Buying and Storing Buckwheat Tips.
In the UK, buckwheat has become increasingly popular, and it’s easier than ever to find it on the shelves. If you’re on the hunt for green buckwheat, Tesco, Asda, Lidl, and Aldi often stock it. Health Stores might be your best bet for organic raw buckwheat, but don’t forget to check out Amazon as well. For the more traditional roasted buckwheat, Eastern-European stores such as Lituanica, Dacha, Mama Nasha, Polish Euro Sklep tend to have them. Almost all Eastern-EU shops would have a great variety of buckwheat. Prices can vary based on brand, with some starting at around £4.00 per kg. I’ve found Makfa and Uvelka to be reliable brands. While you can usually find 800g – 1kg packs, some stores offer buckwheat in convenient cooking bags, perfect for whipping up a quick meal. When buying, make sure the buckwheat is dry and free from any unpleasant smells.
Once you’ve got your buckwheat, store it in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. When stored correctly, it can remain fresh for several years.
Slow, Steady, and Sumptuous: The Clay Pot Cooking
For this recipe, I’ve turned to individual clay pots, which not only provide a perfect vessel for cooking but also a charmingly rustic way to serve each guest. But if you’re looking to make this dish for a crowd, you can easily transition to a larger pot like a Dutch oven or any other oven-safe, heavy-based dish with a lid. If you’re considering adding these individual clay pots to your kitchenware, Amazon is a good place to start. Just ensure the pots are free of cracks for the best cooking experience.
Safety first when cooking with clay pots: Always place them in a cold oven, allowing the pot to warm up gradually with the oven. This slow and steady approach prevents the pot from cracking due to a sudden temperature change. Likewise, never place a hot clay pot on a cold surface. Always ensure your clay pot is fully dry before storing to prevent mold growth on its damp surfaces. If mold does appear, tackle it with a brush and a paste made from dampened baking soda – this will quickly clear it up. Following these simple guidelines ensures your clay pots last longer and your dishes turn out sumptuous every time.
Clay pots, crafted from eco-friendly materials, are both dependable and user-friendly. They have straightforward care guidelines and, when treated well, can last indefinitely. Plus, meals prepared in clay pots are both delicious and nutritious.
Other Ways to Make Buckwheat and Turkey Recipe
The Buckwheat with Turkey in Creamy Mushroom Sauce is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly adaptable. This dish strikes a perfect balance, packed with protein from the turkey, a touch of richness from the cream, and wholesome carbs and fibers courtesy of the buckwheat and veggies. One of the beauties of this dish is how effortlessly it can be adapted to suit different tastes or what you might have in your pantry. Each variation retains the heartiness and flavor of the original recipe, proving that flexibility doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Here are some adaptations to consider:
- Vegetarian Delight: If you’re leaning towards a plant-based version of this classic dish, simply forgo the turkey. Instead, bring in chickpeas, which not only add a hearty texture but are also brimming with protein. This modification offers a delicious and nutritious vegetarian alternative, ensuring the dish remains both filling and satisfying.
- Forest Bounty: Should you find yourself fortunate enough to come across a selection of wild mushrooms during a market trip or foraging adventure, don’t hesitate to use them in this dish. It would elevate the dish, imparting it with a deeper, more rustic and earthy flavor profile. The unique taste of wild mushrooms brings a taste of the wilderness to your table, transforming a familiar dish into an enchanting culinary experience. You can even use dried wild mushrooms, that you can find on shelves in Eastern-European grocery stores. So be sure to ask for pack of this natural goodness when you go shopping for buckwheat.
- Chicken Change-Up: Exchange turkey for chicken, whether thighs or breasts, as a simple alternative. Feel free to try this dish with other meats like pork or even a tender beef or veal cut.
- Opt for Offal: For a rich, traditional take, you can use chicken hearts or even pork/beef liver as a substitute for turkey. They infuse the dish with a depth of flavor that’s both distinct and nostalgic for many.
- Spiced Notes: Consider sprinkling smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, dry paprika for a more vibrant color and taste, or the aromatic thyme, coriander, and rosemary. For a slight peppery twist, white or rose pepper can be your go-to choice.
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