That being said that the most delicious food is unhealthy. Partially agree.
Partially, because ice cream and chocolate are the healthy choices, right?
It is said that not all foods have happened to be photogenic. Totally agree.
I’ve heard as well that only mediocre photographers cannot handle all kinds of food. Well, shall we skip this sensitive topic?
I’ve already discussed the food doesn’t sound right and appealing. Now it’s the time to talk honestly about the food which doesn’t look right.
Let’s say eggplant! No offence – I do love this delicious veggie with such a gorgeous colour. I incorporate them in pretty much a lot of things, from pasta to soup. But please name me at least 5 eggplant dishes wich look fancy and sexy?
Thanks.
Or let’s say buckwheat! I do love buckwheat grains, and I could easily live on them. For 2 or 3 days. Delicious and super healthy stuff. But isn’t glamorous at all either.
And this is so sad.
And now could you imagine what happens if you combine two unappealing products? Miracle? Usually not.
What was I thinking while decided to make this Beef Eggplant Buckwheat? Ouch, ground beef is another lucky ingredient! Indeed, I was thinking just about this delicious hearty meal. And since I managed to take some decent pictures somehow, I was super happy.
Yup, it’s still not that fancy and sexy meal you order in the restaurant. I don’t think you would ever find it in a restaurant, haha. Or that would sound different, something like buckwheat risotto.
But it’s earthy and comfort homemade meal. The combo is great – buckwheat, eggplant, and ground beef. Plus, onions, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and fresh basil to jazz it up.
This Beef Eggplant Buckwheat could be your perfect fall meal too.
But enough about food! What about you, friends? Do you have any products that tend to pe unappealing? Would you ever reject a dish, not because its taste but the appearance? Have you ever tried buckwheat aside from buckwheat pancakes?:)
Beef Eggplant Buckwheat
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
- 1 cup buckwheat
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small eggplant, cubed (1 cup of cubed)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes or passata
- salt and red chili, to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- a handful of fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
Instructions
- In a pot of salted boiling water cook the buckwheat as recommended on the package but one minute less, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the eggplant and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until no more red.
- Decrease heat to low-medium. Incorporate the tomatoes, salt, chili, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 7-10 minutes. If starts to dry out, add a few spoons of water. Basically, 10 minutes are enough to cook the beef through, but you should adjust the time if necessary.
- Add the basil and oregano. Off heat.Add the buckwheat and mix.Cover and let stand for few minutes.
- Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
Oh, how I miss buckwheat since having to go GF. This recipe looks incredible Ben! So satisfying and full of flavor. Pinning and will adapt to make it GF at home!!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet recently posted…Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza
Thanks a lot, Lauren! Will be honored if you try this.
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sweet Potato Mash Bake
Lol, I TOTALLY agree that not all food is sexy. Lentils, for example. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them, but sexy they are not. And I am going to go ahead and admit I am a mediocre photographer and I can not photograph all foods beautifully. But, I am working on becoming better.. and that’s what life is all about. Anyways, I love this dish, Ben! I, too, love eggplant… and beef for that matter, but paired together with yummy spices and some buckwheat?! Comforting bowl of yum! Face plant city! :) P.s. I totally had to make sure I was on the right site because BEEF? BEN COOKED AND POSTED BEEF!? Congrats. ;) This looks fantastic, my friend! xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Skirt Steak Skewers with Sofrito
Beef it’s okay. I’ll be having soon two pork recipes:)
This seriously look incredibly delish. I love eggplants and I love buckwheat too, and I am loving this miracle, Ben.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Whole Black Gram Sprouts with Oven Toasted Garlic Baguette
Thanks, Anu!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sweet Potato Mash Bake
I love seeing the words earthy, comfort and homemade in one sentence to describe a meal…it’s already pretty at that point! This looks delish, my friend! And come on…fresh basil makes everything look better!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Caramelized Butternut Squash & Apple Bisque with Cinnamon Croutons
Thank you, Annie! You’re absolutely right about basil.
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Sweet Potato Mash Bake
I have to admit that I’ve never tried buckwheat outside of pancake form…but this looks really tasty! And I’m with ya…some foods just don’t photograph well. I mean they might taste AMAZING, but they look like something I dug up in my backyard. Bah. You did a great job with this one, Ben!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Butternut Squash and Cider Soup
You should try it, David! I even allow you to garnish your pancakes with this buckwheat.