Today, we'll show you how to make cream of buckwheat from scratch using whole raw buckwheat groats. It's a super easy, 10-minute buckwheat recipe idea for a warm, nourishing breakfast!
Buckwheat cream is a type of hot cereal and basically a version of cream of wheat made with buckwheat instead of wheat.
Despite the name, buckwheat groats have nothing to do with wheat: they're actually seeds and contain no gluten. Plus, they're higher in fibre and provide complete proteins.
So, cream of buckwheat is a grain-free and gluten-free recipe and an even more nutritious alternative to cream of wheat for breakfast!
Like porridge, cream of buckwheat is prepared by simmering the cereal in milk until creamy. However, unlike porridge, it uses milled buckwheat groats for a smoother, silkier result.
Brands like Bob Red Mill's sell ready-milled groats for cream of buckwheat, but you can start from raw whole buckwheat groats following our recipe below!
Buckwheat lends this hot cereal recipe a deliciously nutty, earthy, and roasty flavour, so you don't need many other ingredients to make it tasty!
Just top it with fresh fruit and nuts for vitamins and good fats to make a balanced breakfast out of it, and you'll be good to go!
What is buckwheat cream?
Cream of buckwheat is a hot cereal breakfast made from cooked milled buckwheat groats. It is similar in texture to cream of wheat but gluten-free.
Buckwheat groats are finely ground and cooked with milk (or water) until they achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, like porridge.
Cream of buckwheat is served warm as a nourishing breakfast porridge topped with fruits and nuts and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
How do you prepare cream of buckwheat?
To prepare cream of buckwheat, combine milled buckwheat cereal with water or milk in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until thickened.
What are the benefits of buckwheat cream?
Buckwheat cream makes for an excellent breakfast idea. Here's why:
Nutritional Value — It provides complex carbs, fibre, protein, and essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Low Glycemic Index — Buckwheat groats are a whole grain high in fibres which help regulate blood sugar levels, make you feel full, and aid weight loss.
Gluten-Free — It's naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Versatility — It can be flavoured with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savoury.
Digestibility—Blending and cooking the buckwheat groats makes them easier to digest, which can benefit those with digestive issues.
Is cream of buckwheat gluten-free?
Yes, cream of buckwheat is naturally gluten-free and is a suitable option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Can you make cream of buckwheat in advance?
Yes, buckwheat cream can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can prepare the buckwheat cereal the night before for the next day or batch-prep it for the week ahead, portioning it into single-serving containers or jars.
To reheat, transfer to a pot with a splash of water or milk over medium heat until warm or heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
How can you flavour buckwheat cereal?
Cream of buckwheat can be flavoured in many ways. For a sweet version, add fruits, nuts, and spices; for a savoury version, add vegetables, olive oil, and eggs or tofu.
Here are some of the best topping ideas for buckwheat cereal:
blueberries, strawberries, plums, apples, dates, and peaches
walnuts, hazelnuts, peanut butter, or flaxseeds
cocoa, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves
tomatoes, scallions, peppers, spinach, or mushrooms
yoghurt, nutritional yeast, grated cheese, poached eggs, silken tofu
What is the difference between cream of buckwheat and oatmeal?
Buckwheat cream is prepared with buckwheat groats, while oatmeal is prepared with oats. Both are thick and creamy hot cereals, and they're gluten-free.
However, cream of buckwheat has a much smoother texture because it's made from finely ground buckwheat, while oatmeal is chunkier because it uses rolled whole oat flakes.
Also, buckwheat porridge tastes nuttier and more earthy, while oat porridge is milder and sweeter.
How is cream of buckwheat different from regular buckwheat porridge?
Cream of buckwheat is made from finely ground buckwheat groats, which results in a smoother and creamier texture when cooked.
Porridge made with whole buckwheat groats, on the other hand, has a chewier, chunkier texture because the groats stay fairly intact.
Can you eat cream of buckwheat cold?
Yes, absolutely! Cream of buckwheat can be eaten cold, similar to overnight oats. Prepare the cereal, then refrigerate it. You can add fruits, nuts, and spices before eating.
Ingredients
| Buckwheat Cream | |
| Raw Whole Buckwheat Groats | 40 g |
| Plant-Based Milk (Oat, Soy, Almond) | 280 mL |
| Toppings | |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
| Peaches | 1 |
| Strawberries | 80 g |
| Walnuts, roasted and chopped | 2 tbsp |
Step 1
Add whole raw buckwheat groats to a food processor and blitz them until ground — the finer you grind them, the smoother the porridge will be.
This is your milled buckwheat, which you will use to make buckwheat cream.
As an alternative, or if you don't have a powerful blender, you can either soak the groats before blending (30 min in warm water or overnight) or cook the groats whole and then blend the porridge later.
Step 2
Transfer the milled buckwheat to a pot, pour in the milk and add a tiny pinch of salt.
Tip in the cinnamon, if using it, or replace it with other spices like ground turmeric, cardamom, cloves, or nutmeg.
Step 3
Stir well and heat the buckwheat cereal mix over medium heat.
As soon as it starts to boil, lower the heat and simmer the buckwheat porridge for 8-10 minutes while stirring (1).
When the buckwheat cereal is thick and creamy, remove the pot from the heat (2).
The hot buckwheat cereal will get even thicker as it cools down a little. If you prefer it runnier, you can thin it out with a splash of milk.
Step 4
Serve your creamy buckwheat cereal hot, topped with peaches, strawberries, and walnuts for a healthy breakfast.
Taste it for sweetness, and if you like, add a chopped date or a splash of maple syrup or honey.
Cream of buckwheat can also be eaten cold: transfer it to a jar, seal, and keep in the fridge — perfect for overnight buckwheat cream!
Tips
Raw or Roasted Groats
You can find whole buckwheat groats in two varieties: raw groats (which look pale green) or roasted groats (which look dark brown).
Here we used raw groats as they yield a softer and smoother texture when cooked perfect for buckwheat cream. But the recipe works well with roasted groats too, especially if you want a more intense, nutty taste!
Extra Creaminess
For an even creamier buckwheat cream, stir a tablespoon of nut butter into the hot porridge a minute before the end of cooking time.
Blended silken tofu, sweet potato or pumpkin mash, or applesauce are also excellent options.
No-Cook Option
For a quicker recipe, you can prepare cream of buckwheat without cooking the buckwheat; just soak and blend, following this overnight buckwheat porridge recipe, which uses roasted groats for extra flavour and easier digestibility.
Like this recipe?
Buckwheat is a versatile grain-free ingredient you can use to make buckwheat pancakes, gluten-free buckwheat crackers, or a healthy buckwheat salad.
For more breakfast ideas like this buckwheat cereal recipe, try our no-oat flaxseed porridge, overnight oat groats, Jamaican oat peanut porridge or cornmeal porridge.