Yeast Free Pomegranate-Mint Buckwheat Beet Pilaf

Total time1 hr 10 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time45 min

4.6

(18)

Yeast Free Pomegranate-Mint Buckwheat Beet Pilaf

This pilaf is a stunning collision of earthy, bright, and sweet — the kind of dish that looks like it took serious effort but comes together with straightforward technique and honest ingredients. Caramelized roasted beets, jewel-like pomegranate arils, and torn fresh mint make every forkful feel a little celebratory. Buckwheat groats are the backbone here, toasted in a dry pan until fragrant and golden before being simmered until tender, giving the whole bowl a nutty depth that rice simply can't match. A lemon-cumin dressing with a touch of raw honey ties everything together without relying on any fermented or leavened ingredients, making this naturally free from the usual yeast-related concerns. Scallion greens and dry-roasted pumpkin seeds add a gentle bite and satisfying crunch in every layer. It works beautifully warm straight from the bowl or at room temperature, which makes it just as practical for a weeknight dinner as it is for a weekend spread.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the roasted beets

2 medium beets (about 12 oz total), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp salt

For the buckwheat

1 cup raw buckwheat groats
2 cups water
¼ tsp salt

For the dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp raw honey
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the pilaf

½ cup pomegranate arils
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
¼ cup dry-roasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the beet cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are beginning to caramelize.
2
While the beets roast, heat a dry medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the buckwheat groats and toast, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden — watch closely, as they can darken quickly.

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