Buckwheat Groats Pilaf

This picture looks exactly like last week's photo because it is. Last time, I posted the recipe for the spicy mustard-glazed veggies. This time, I will share the recipe for the other side dish on the plate: Buckwheat groats with mushrooms, balsamic vinegar and thyme. I served this dish with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It makes a great gluten-free substitute "stuffing." Here's the recipe:

Buckwheat Groats with Mushrooms, Balsamic Vinegar and Thyme

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked buckwheat groats (also called kasha)

3 T. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup diced red onions

2-3 cups sliced mushrooms

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar mixed with 1 T. water

1 tsp. dried thyme

To prepare the buckwheat groats, heat 1 T. of the olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Add 1 cup uncooked buckwheat and toast by stirring in the pan for a few minutes. Then, add in 2 cups of boiling water. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Check the buckwheat after about 15 minutes so that it doesn't get overdone.

In the meantime, heat the remaining oil in a heavy skillet. Add in the onion and garlic and saute until tender. Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and saute over medium heat until mushrooms are browned.

Stir in the vinegar mixed with water and the thyme. Cook until liquid is most evaporated. Add the cooked buckwheat and heat. Add a little water if needed and season with salt. Serve hot with turkey, chicken or fish.