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Buckwheat, Chickpea, and Cinnamon Pepper Salad

17/11/2023

Here is a recipe for a Buckwheat, Chickpea, and Cinnamon Pepper Salad that combines the rustic flavor of the grains with the sweetness of the legumes, with a spicy touch thanks to the cinnamon. An Italian twist might include adding fresh basil for a touch of green and freshness.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of buckwheat
  • 1 can of chickpeas (about 240 g drained)
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Fresh basil (optional for an Italian touch)

Preparation

  1. Start by cooking the buckwheat. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the buckwheat, and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let it cool.

  2. In the meantime, wash the bell peppers, remove seeds and inner filaments, and cut them into small cubes.

  3. Peel the red onion and slice it thinly.

  4. Rinse the chickpeas well if you are using canned ones to remove the preservation water and let them drain.

  5. In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of oil and add the peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are soft but still slightly crunchy.

  6. Add the cinnamon to the peppers towards the end of the sauté to release its sweet aroma without burning it.

  7. In a large bowl, gently mix the cooled buckwheat with the peppers, onion, and chickpeas.

  8. Season the salad with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil to taste. If desired, you can add a dash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and sour note.

  9. (Optional) Add hand-torn fresh basil to incorporate a note of freshness and color.

  10. Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend well.

Curiosity

Despite its name, buckwheat is not a true cereal but an achene fruit, similar to wheat in appearance and use, typical of mountainous areas, where other cereals struggle to grow. Its combination with legumes like chickpeas is perfect for a complete and nutritious meal. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is a spice that is commonly associated with sweet dishes, but in many Middle Eastern and North African dishes, it is used to balance dishes based on legumes and vegetables, giving a unique and unexpected flavor.

Buckwheat, Chickpea, and Cinnamon Pepper Salad