Buckwheat Crockets

Although it cooks and behaves like a grain, Buckwheat, or Kuttu in Hindi, it is, in fact, a seed (pseudocereal) and, more particularly, the seed of the Rhubarb plant. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and an excellent source of iron, calcium, potassium, and fiber. It is sweet and astringent in taste and has a drying and heating effect on the body, which is why it is perfect for people who tend to retain water and have a lot of mucus in their bodies but not so much for a person suffering from dryness and lack of lubrication unless cooked in a lot of moisture and consumed with enough healthy fats.

Makes 30-35 balls

Ingredients:
1.5 cups raw or toasted buckwheat groats, soaked (see Notes)
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp coriander seed powder
Juice of half a lemon
1 tsp salt
Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp water)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup dill, chopped

For the tomato sauce
3 tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Preparation Method:
– Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius
– To the cooked buckwheat, add the tahini, olive oil, spices, salt, flax eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped herbs. Mix the ingredients well until well incorporated.
– Roll gold-sized balls out of the buckwheat mixture, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for 30-40 minutes until crunchy and golden.
– Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce: in a blender, add the tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, salt, and spices. Blend until smooth. Transfer the crushed tomatoes to a saucepan and cook it on medium heat for 7-10 minutes.
– Serve with tomato sauce or any other sauce you like.

Notes
– To prepare the buckwheat: boil 3 cups of water in a pot, add the buckwheat, and cook it on low heat for 15-20 minutes until soft and well cooked.

– Feel free to use other herbs, like basil, parsley, chives, or fresh za’atar leaves.