Grill/Barbecue

Spicy Summer Kasha Salad

by:
August 13, 2012
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0 Ratings
Spicy Summer Kasha Salad
  • Makes 4 servings
Author Notes

My dad came to town this past week, and my sister and I decided we needed to make a fabulous birthday meal for him in our new place. We landed on grass fed burgers so we could fire up the new grills on the rooftop, and I was left thinking about a summery side dish. Corn, dill, green beans. Yes to all the above. But in what? Now, I love my quinoa just like the rest of you. But sometimes I get sick of it. I went on a journey to the market to find a new grain-like ingredient for salads. I ended up with buckwheat.
Buckwheat is actually not a grain, but like quinoa or chia, a seed. I was up for the challenge and did a little research before making the salad. The ingredient is used in many Eastern European and Jewish recipes. I'm no pro on the history or common usage, but I think I'm on to something here. More commonly referred to as kasha in recipes, this nutty seed is a great alternative to quinoa, pastas and other grain-like based dishes. —Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • for the salad:
  • 1 1/2 cups buckwheat groats
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 shallot (diced)
  • 1 large handful fresh green beans (trimmed, halved and steamed in salty water)
  • 3 ears sweet corn
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • olive oil
  • for the vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1/4- 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 3 green onions (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill (rough chop)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
Directions
  1. Submerge the corn in water for about an hour before you begin the rest. This helps the corn not to burn when you throw it on the grill.
  2. For the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, green onions, dill, mustard and salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat your grill over medium-high heat. Add the soaked corn in their husks to the grill. Let cook for about 10 minutes, turning once or twice. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Peel the husks back and put back on the grill for about 5 minutes, so that the corn chars up a bit. Don't let it sit too long, or it will dry out. This technique allows the corn to steam in the husk, but then get the great grilling char on the kernels. Cut the kernels off the stalk.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked buckwheat, steamed green beans, vinaigrette and corn. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste, and serve! The dish is delicious both warm and cold.
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