A Nutritious and Delicious Start to Your Day

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had to navigate the tricky waters of food intolerances. Oats used to be my go-to breakfast staple. I had them every morning for years Unfortunately, my body had other plans, and I had to bid farewell to oats. Interestingly, as soon as I arrived in Australia, I could no longer tolerate them. Maybe something to do with the particular strain of oats here? But anyway, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Enter overnight buckwheat – my new favorite vegan breakfast that’s just as satisfying and even more nutritious.

Why Buckwheat?

Buckwheat, despite its name, is not related to wheat and is completely gluten-free. This pseudocereal is packed with nutrients and offers a great alternative to traditional oats. It’s high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, making it a perfect breakfast choice for those looking to start their day with a boost of energy and nutrition.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s dive into the star ingredients of this overnight buckwheat recipe and explore their health benefits.

Rolled Buckwheat: Rolled buckwheat is basically the buckwheat equivalent of rolled oats. Very similar in look and texture, and even taste. They dissolve in liquids quite readily, so I prefer to mix them up with buckwheat flakes for added texture.

Buckwheat flakes: Buckwheat flakes are shaped like cereal and are toasted. This provide added texture to this overnight porridge.

Both buckwheat flakes and rolled buckwheat can be purchased online or most health food stores. If you’re in Melbourne, Terra Madre is my go-to store for these ingredients.

Slippery Elm Powder: Slippery elm powder is known for its soothing properties. It’s a natural remedy often used to relieve digestive discomfort and inflammation. Including slippery elm powder in your breakfast helps create a soothing effect on the digestive tract, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive stomachs. It also thickens up this overnight porridge, giving it a pleasant mouthfeel.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon isn’t just for flavor – it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an ideal ingredient for maintaining stable energy levels throughout the day. Plus, it adds a warm, comforting taste to your breakfast.

Blue Spirulina: A type of blue-green algae that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding blue spirulina to your overnight buckwheat not only enhances the nutritional profile but also gives it a vibrant, appealing color. This is totally optional though, and can be left out or replaced with other superfood powders such as beetroot powder, vanilla powder or Maqui powder.

Goji Berries: They are a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are known to boost the immune system, improve skin health, and promote eye health. Including goji berries in your breakfast adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of nutrients. While they’re normally quite crunchy, I like how soft they get when they soak up the water overnight in this porridge.

Variations

Overnight buckwheat is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to keep your breakfasts exciting:

Berry Delight: Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for an antioxidant boost and natural sweetness.

Nutty Twist: Stir in a spoonful of almond butter or sprinkle with chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added protein and healthy fats.

Chocolate Dream: Mix in a teaspoon of cacao powder and a touch of maple syrup for a chocolaty breakfast that feels like a treat.

Tropical Paradise: Add diced mango, pineapple, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a taste of the tropics.

Spiced Apple: Stir in diced apples, a dash of nutmeg, and a pinch of pure monkfruit extract for a warming, autumn-inspired breakfast.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to find your perfect bowl of overnight buckwheat. Enjoy!

A New Breakfast Routine

Switching to overnight buckwheat has been a game-changer for me. It’s not only a delicious and nutritious start to the day but also a wonderful way to manage my oat intolerance. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. And if you’re looking for more buckwheat recipes, you’re in luck – my blog is practically buckwheat central!

Don’t let food intolerances hold you back – there’s always a nutritious and delicious alternative waiting to be discovered. For more gluten-free, vegan, and healthy recipes, make sure to check out the rest of my blog. Happy eating!