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Buckwheat and Broccoli Salad with Tangy Miso Dressing

(recipe, Robin Asbell)


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Introduction

The dark flavor of buckwheat gives this salad a range of tastes, from the deep, nutty grains to the tangy, sweet dressing. Brown and pigmented rices, wheat berries, and other grains are equally good with the miso dressing.

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup buckwheat groats
  2. 1½ cups water
  3. 2 Tbsp. red miso
  4. 1 Tbsp. canola oil
  5. 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  6. 1 Tbsp. dark sesame oil
  7. 1 Tbsp. grated ginger
  8. 1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
  9. ¼ tsp. red-pepper flakes
  10. 1 Tbsp. honey
  11. 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
  12. ½ cup julienned carrot
  13. 2 scallions, minced
  14. ½ cup cashews, toasted

Steps

  1. Make the groats: In a small, heavy saucepan, heat the buckwheat groats over medium-high heat. Swirl the groats in the pan, toasting them until they are crackling, hot to the touch, and fragrant, about 5 minutes \[see recipe editor's note, above\]. In a wire-mesh strainer, wash the hot buckwheat quickly and drain thoroughly. Put the 1½ cups water in the pan and bring to a boil. Add the buckwheat, return to a boil, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook for about 20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed. Take the pan off the heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then transfer the cooked grain to a bowl, cover, and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large measuring cup, whisk the miso, canola oil, and vinegar until smooth. Whisk in the sesame oil, ginger, garlic, pepper flakes, and honey. Pour the dressing over the cooled buckwheat and toss to coat.
  3. Assemble and serve the salad: Spread the buckwheat on a platter and top with the broccoli, carrot, and scallions. Sprinkle the cashews over the salad and serve. Alternatively, mix the veggies into the grains and chill.