Buckwheat groats

The buckwheat groats are the buckwheat kernels which have been hulled and crushed.  Buckwheat groats are typically cooked like one would cook rice.  Buckwheat is actually a herb and the edible portion is the triangular shaped seeds.  The seeds are also ground into buckwheat flour which is used to make pancakes and the famous Russian blini.

If you need a substitute for buckwheat groats, here are a couple of alternatives. You can substitute, cup for cup

• Kasha, which is roasted buckwheat groats
• OR - Use quinoa which is a small grain
• OR - Millet, also a small grain.  Both quinoa or millet will cook faster than kasha.