After a grueling workout, hike or bike ride, a buckwheat waffle breakfast is a tasty and satisfying “good grinds brah’’. You can add any berry that you like. I always make extra for freezing. Buckwheat has a strong taste and has been described as ‘distinctive, robust or not timid’.

Buckwheat is the fruit seed of a plant called fagopyrum esculentum. Despite the common name and the grain-like use of the crop, buckwheat is not a cereal or grass. It’s called a pseudocereal to emphasize that it’s not related to wheat.

Buckwheat is related to sorrels and rhubarb, not wheat, rye or barley and despite the confusing name, buckwheat is gluten-free. This means that people who cannot eat wheat and grains can eat buckwheat as an alternative and enjoy the benefits of buckwheat and delicious Triple Berry waffles and pancakes.

Buckwheat contains all 8 essential amino acids. One cup provides 19g of protein. It’s a good source of magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and many B vitamins. Buckwheat is also a good source of soluble fiber. One cup contains 17g.

Buckwheat is high in antioxidant flavonoids that help protect the body against free radicals. Buckwheat contains omega 3 fatty acids and due to its moderate glycemic index (45), consuming it can lower or modify blood glucose levels, reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

Buckwheat cooks in a jiffy (5 minutes).

Triple Berry Buckwheat Waffles and Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500 ml) fresh ground buckwheat flour (from groats) or packaged 100% whole grain buckwheat flour
• 2 servings (25-50 grams) vanilla or plain whey protein isolate or hemp protein
• 1 cup (250 ml) filtered water
• 4 whole eggs (or ½ cup organic coconut oil)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (250 ml) fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry)
• 1 medium banana

Directions

1. In a blender add water, protein powder, eggs, vanilla, berries and banana and blend till smooth
2. In a large mixing bowl add flour, stir in wet ingredients to dry and blend.

For waffles: preheat waffle iron and grease with natural cooking spray. Scoop mixture onto grill, close lid. Waffles are ready when the lid releases easily. Re-grease grill after each waffle is made. Top with ghee and organic maple syrup or unpasteurized honey.

For pancakes: use a large greased fry pan, add large scoop of mixture, turn over when small bubbles start to appear. Re-grease pan after each pancake is made. Top with ghee and organic maple syrup or unpasteurized honey.

The recipe makes approximately 8 large waffles or pancakes. Great for freezing.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with fresh fruit medley and/or scrambled egg.

Photo by Humphrey Muleba from Burst

Bon Appetite!...TKH