Buckwheat Soup is a great way to use leftover turkey, or chicken. It's also a soup worth making with fresh turkey or chicken, too. This turkey & buckwheat soup will make you fall in love with buckwheat, if you haven't already.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

About This Buckwheat Soup with Turkey

This delicious soup came about after a holiday feast when I wanted to try something different than the standard turkey noodle or rice soup that I usually make with leftovers. In addition, I wanted a grain-free and gluten-free soup so that everyone could enjoy it.

I used homemade stock which I made from the turkey bones. If you don't have homemade, it will still be good with a commercial stock or broth. I also added cubed sweet potatoes and kale for a healthy, nourishing bowl of goodness.

What is Buckwheat?

Don't let the name fool you: buckwheat is not wheat, and, it is not even related to wheat. In fact, the buckwheat plant is not even a grass, ( as is wheat), but a flowering plant. Buckwheat groats are the triangular-shaped seeds of the buckwheat plant.

The groats are classified as a pseudocereal because they are treated like a grain in the same ways as barley, bulgur, farro, and rice, to name just a few. Get complete buckwheat information: Whole Grains Council

Roasted, or toasted buckwheat groats are called kasha. You can also find buckwheat flour, which is simply finely ground groats. You may have tried Buckwheat Pancakes made from buckwheat flour. (If you haven't, you should). And you may have eaten Japanese soba noodles, which are made with buckwheat flour.

Buckwheat is Gluten Free

Because buckwheat is not a grain, it is gluten-free. Which makes it a fantastic ingredient if you can't, or don't eat wheat or other grains. When cooked, buckwheat has a texture similar to cooked rice, so it's a perfect substitution for rice or noodles in this buckwheat soup, and in many other recipes. And I also love using buckwheat in hearty salads, like this delicious Butternut Buckwheat Salad, or my popular Mediterranean Buckwheat Salad.

However, do check the packaging to be sure that your groats are processed in a gluten-free facility if you are sensitive.

Why Buckwheat is a Nutritional Super Star

First, buckwheat groats are an excellent source of plant-based protein, containing all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need. Secondly, that high protein content combines with being high in soluble fiber as well. This means that buckwheat has a low glycemic index, keeping you full for longer. Third, buckwheat groats are a good source of pre-biotics. Finally, these groats are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals. For more information, check out The Health Benefits of Buckwheat.

What Does Buckwheat Taste Like?

Although buckwheat groats, like rice, have a fairly mild flavour, they are not starchy and have a slightly nutty flavour. Toasting the buckwheat groats also gives them a toasty taste, which I think is delicious. I used kasha, or toasted groats for this buckwheat soup.

Where to Buy Buckwheat

Most grocery stores carry buckwheat groats, and you can usually find them stocked with grains and cereals, or in the gluten-free section, if your store has one. If not, you can always find them on Amazon. (link in the ingredient list).

How to Store Buckwheat

Store your buckwheat groats in an airtight container, in a dark place at room temperature and use them within two months.

More Leftover Turkey?

Try Leftover Turkey Nachos for a fun and easy use of those leftovers, or make Turkey Tacos with Mango Salsa. We also love leftover turkey as an appetizer, too: Mini Quiche Appetizers - Turkey & Feta.

Recipe

Comments

4.93 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)