Savory buckwheat pilaf with toasted spices

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3. 1 cup buckwheat groats
4. 3 garlic cloves, minced
5. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
6. 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
8. 2 cups unsalted (no salt added) vegetable stock or broth
9. 1 tomato, peeled and seeded, then diced (about 1 cup)
10. 1/4 teaspoon salt
11. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (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.

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook," published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of a James Beard award.