Buckwheat / Kasha for Baby – Nutritious Buckwheat / Kasha Baby Food Recipes

Buckwheat or Kasha for Homemade Baby Food Recipes – When Can Baby Have Buckwheat and Kasha?

What is Buckwheat?

While its name would make you think that this is a type of wheat, buckwheat is not related to wheat nor is it a grain. Buckwheat is actually gluten free and is a great choice for homemade baby cereal and baby’s diet!

Buckwheat is actually a seed however as with other seeds like quinoa, buckwheat is tossed into the whole grain category. Buckwheat is gluten free and makes a wonderful food for those who are gluten intolerant (celiac disease) or who have an allergy to the wheat protein. Buckwheat may be found either roasted or unroasted.

Is Kasha – Buckwheat?

Kasha is roasted buckwheat. When buckwheat is roasted, it is often called “Kasha”.

Buckwheat is also milled into a flour and makes wonderful hearty foods such as muffins and pancakes. You may find this labeled Kasha flour or Buckwheat flour depending on the brand you purchase.

The Goodness of Buckwheat:

Buckwheat is high in fiber and contains Iron, Niacin, Folate and even Vitamin K.

Buckwheat/Kasha:  (one cup, roasted and cooked) Protein – 5.68 g

When Babies Have Buckwheat or Kasha?

Buckwheat or Kasha may be introduced to baby from 8 months and older.

How to store Buckwheat

Buckwheat, in the form of the whole grain, and in the form of flour, may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grain/flour in the refrigerator. If you grind Buckwheat into a flour for cereal, it should be stored in an air tight container and preferably in your refrigerator.

How to cook Buckwheat for baby food

When cooking the “buckwheat powder” for homemade baby cereal, use 1/4 cup of powder per 1-2 cups of water – more or less as you see fit. The key is to whisk whisk whisk as you are cooking to avoid clumping.

Tasty Kasha and Buckwheat Baby Food Recipes

Buckwheat or Kasha Cereal (make it Organic by using Organic Buckwheat.)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup kasha

Directions:

Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.

Step 2: Add the kasha, return to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cook the kasha for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3:Serve kasha porridge plain or with mixed in fruit purees. Add some yogurt to make a creamy cereal. You can even add soy milk to cool and thin the cereal.

Kasha Pilaf from Birkett Mills – a wonderful, tasty recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked kasha
• 2 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Directions:

Step 1: In large skillet, melt butter and saute onions and mushrooms.

Step 2: Prepare kasha according to basic directions on package, adding the sautéed vegetables when the liquid is added and eliminating any additional butter or margarine.

Step 3:Before serving, fluff kasha with a fork and sprinkle with parsley

My Variation:

Use apples and raisins in place of the onions and mushrooms to make this a yummy dish with chicken or pork.

Peel, core and dice 1 large apple into small dices and sauté with 1/4 cup chopped raisins – follow above recipe.

Kasha Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked kasha
• 1 egg (or 2 yolks)
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely shredded
• breadcrumbs as needed
• 1 onion, finely diced
• garlic powder
• basil

Directions:

Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients together until moist. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs or cooked kasha as needed. This recipe is basically the same as a “regular” meatloaf or meatball recipe.

Step 2: Shape mix into little balls or patties and bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes – more or less time depending on the thickness. Cover with tinfoil to prevent burning.

Check on the “meatballs” frequently.

Foods Good to Mix With Kasha

• Fruits (avocados, peaches, etc.)
• Vegetables
• Yogurt
• Meats

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

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