Buckwheat and Burdock Root Pilaf

From the kitchen of Vanashree Belgamwar, BAMS

Burdock root is one of the most nutrient-rich foods, yet very underutilized. It's very hard to find recipes that use burdock root and it's not easily found at grocery stores. If you can get your hands on this rich root, I would urge everyone to use it!

Ayurveda mentions the qualities of burdock root as dry, sweet, bitter and astringent hence it aggravates Vata but is pacifying for Pitta (Fire + Water) and Kapha (Water + Earth) doshas. It is a very healthy carbohydrate to consume during spring and supports the urinary system, liver and gallbladder.

Widely used in Ayurveda, burdock can detox the body and balance the natural aggravation of Kapha that occurs during spring. I like to use Burdock root in many Ayurvedic recipes like kitchari, upma, various soups or replace it in recipes for roots like potato, taro root or sweet potato in other dishes I make.

Mentioned below is one such recipe that I usually enjoy during the springtime to support my Kapha energies. The pilaf is delicious and a quick, easy meal. Try it as a replacement to oatmeal as a warm, savory breakfast.

Buckwheat and Burdock Root Pilaf
Makes 4 servings
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Download a printable recipe here.

​Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced burdock root
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 cup diced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 cup toasted buckwheat groats
• 1 roma tomato, diced
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Cilantro or parsley sprigs for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2. When warm, add and sauté the burdock for about 5 minutes, or until it is translucent.
3. Add and sauté onions, ginger and garlic for about 10 minutes, or until they are well browned.
4. Add turmeric, cumin powder and salt.
5. Add the mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have exuded most of their liquid.
6. Add the stock, and bring to a boil. Slowly pour in buckwheat groats to prevent the water from sputtering, and add tomatoes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Return the mixture to a boil. Then lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until the buckwheat is cooked and the liquid absorbed.
9. Remove from heat and allow to steam for 10 minutes.
10. Fluff with a fork, place in a serving bowl, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve warm.