Rinse the buckwheat in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear (about 30 seconds). Transfer the buckwheat to a medium pot with a thick bottom. Pour in 400 ml of hot vegetable broth (ratio about 1:2) and a pinch of salt (about 1/3 teaspoon). Place over medium heat, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to the minimum, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until the buckwheat absorbs the liquid. After cooking, let it sit covered for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
Description
Aromatic, winter plant-based dish composed of Polish, seasonal ingredients: buckwheat, roasted beets, sauerkraut, and forest mushrooms. The patties are moist inside thanks to the beets and smoked tofu, and crispy on the outside after baking due to the oats. Accompanied by a thick, slightly sweet-sour apple-plum sauce and sautéed sauerkraut as a base. The dish combines traditional flavors of Poland with a modern, plant-based twist — perfect for a family dinner in winter when we have the most spicy and fermented flavors. Aesthetically presented, it contrasts in color: ruby beets, golden-brown patties, light sauce, and green pumpkin seeds as decoration.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (17)
- Raw buckwheat groats 200 g
- Sauerkraut (drained) 300 g
- Onion 1 szt. (~150 g)
- Garlic 3 ząbki (~15 g)
- Smoked tofu (crumbled) 200 g
- Dried plums 80 g
- Apples (firm, e.g. gray renet) 200 g
- Wheat flour 80 g
- Rapeseed oil 30 g
- Vegetable broth 500 ml
- Beets (raw) 400 g
- Wild mushrooms (fresh) 200 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Dried marjoram 1 łyżeczka (~2 g)
- Salt 6 g
- Ground black pepper 2 szczypty (~2 g)
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Oats (for breading, optional) 50 g
- Roasted pumpkin seeds 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the groats
Roasting beets
Preheat the oven to 200°C (top and bottom). Wash the beets thoroughly, trim the leaves, but keep the skin. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes (time depends on size) — check with a fork: if it goes in smoothly, the beets are soft. After baking, cool for 10 minutes, peel the skin (it should come off easily) and cut into small cubes about 5–7 mm.
Soaking the plums
Place the dried plums in a bowl and pour 120 ml of hot water over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes until softened. After soaking, drain (reserve the liquid to thin the sauce if needed) and finely chop the plums.
Frying mushrooms and onions
Clean the mushrooms with a brush and slice them. Heat 15 g of rapeseed oil in a large pan over medium heat (pan 24-28 cm). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly browned. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the moisture evaporates and the mushrooms are lightly browned. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Preparation of sauerkraut
If the cabbage is very sour, briefly rinse it with cold water and drain well (about 1–2 minutes). In a medium skillet, heat 10 g of oil, add the drained cabbage, and sauté for 6–8 minutes over medium heat until it softens and lightly caramelizes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of marjoram. Taste and adjust with a bit more salt if needed.
Mixing the filling and shaping the patties
In a large bowl, combine the cooked buckwheat (fluffed), diced roasted beets, sautéed mushrooms with onion and garlic, crumbled smoked tofu, and chopped soaked prunes. Add the all-purpose flour and 2/3 of the prepared oats (if using). Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper (2 g). Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon — the mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape into patties. If the mixture is too loose, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour; if too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of hot broth.
Breading and Baking
Form patties the size of your hand (about 8–10 cm in diameter, thickness 1–1.5 cm). Coat each patty in the remaining oats (or breadcrumbs, if you prefer). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with a thin layer of oil (you can use a brush). Bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. The baked patties should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Apple-Plum Sauce
In a small pan, heat 5 g of oil and add diced apples. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until they start to soften. Add chopped soaked prunes and 2–3 tablespoons of soaking water (if available), 1/2 teaspoon of marjoram, and a pinch of salt. Cook together for 6–8 minutes until the fruits break down. Transfer to a blender and blend into a thick, smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of hot broth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assembly and serving
On a plate, place a portion of sautéed sauerkraut (about 100–120 g per person). Arrange 2–3 cutlets on the sauerkraut. Generously drizzle the cutlets with apple-plum sauce. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds (optional) and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately while the cutlets are warm and crispy.
Fun Fact
Buckwheat has been popular in the cuisine of northern and eastern Poland for centuries; toasting the buckwheat enhances its nutty aroma, which pairs perfectly with beets and wild mushrooms.
Best for
Tips
Serve the cutlets hot on sauerkraut with the sauce in a separate jug, so guests can control the amount. Sour additions like pickled cucumbers or horseradish work great for contrast. You can also serve with mashed potatoes for a heartier version.
Store the cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apple-plum sauce can be stored separately for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until crispy, or in a pan with a little oil.
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