Ukrainian gretschanikie with buckwheat

Especially fluffy and unique meatballs can be found in Ukraine, the so-called "Gretschanikie" with buckwheat. It`s definitely worth trying them out, because you can only learn something new by experimenting with unusual dishes.

Very important - before this recipe for Ukrainian Gratschanikie can be prepared, the buckwheat must soak in sufficient water for 8 hours.

Ingredients for the meatballs:

500 g minced meat mixed
200 g buckwheat whole (soaked in water for 8 hours)
1 large onion
salt, pepper

Ingredients for the Sauce:

300 g vegetables (for example, carrots, peas, sweetcorn) or buttered vegetables.
2 large onions
1 tbsp oil
40 g butter
500 ml vegetable stock
150 g crème fraîche
some fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 bay leaf
nutmeg
Wheat flour

Preparation:

Peel and finely chop the onions for the meatballs and the sauce. Set aside the portion for the sauce.

Put the minced meat for the balls into a large bowl and add the 200 g buckwheat (previously sieved) and season with salt and pepper. It is best to season strongly here, as they lose a lot of their seasoning later. Shape the finished minced meat mixture into small balls (2 - 3 cm) and place in the fridge.

Put the butter and oil together in a large saucepan and heat. Add the onions and fry until translucent. At the same time, prepare the vegetable stock or heat it slightly.
Add the vegetables (if not from the packet, peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces, drain the tinned sweetcorn, remove the peas from their pods and wash them) to the pot and stir them in. Steam for 2 - 3 minutes or until it has separated. Add the stock to the vegetables and bring to the boil. Stir creme fraiche into the already simmering vegetable sauce, add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.

Add the meatballs to the simmering sauce and let them stand, covered, for about 30 minutes. Remove one meatball to check that it is cooked. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
When the meatballs are cooked, season the sauce again, adding a little nutmeg, salt and pepper and the chopped parsley.

You can serve delicious fresh bread with the Gretschanikie.

If you like it hot, you can add a certain kick to the meat balls with these chilli powders: