These traditional Lithuanian Buckwheat Fritters, known as grikių blynai, are savory meatless pancakes made with roasted buckwheat groats, sautéed vegetables, and a few pantry staples. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect as a main dish or a hearty side. Serve with sour cream, farmer's cheese dip, or bacon and onion sauce for a comforting meal!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (100g) roasted buckwheat groats (Kasza)
- 1 tbsp butter (or oil)
- 1 brown onion, very finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (70g) all-purpose flour (or buckwheat flour for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning (like Vegeta)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Place buckwheat in a pot with a teaspoon of salt. Pour boiling water over, cover with a lid, and soak for 30 minutes until tender.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté chopped onion, grated carrot, and garlic over low heat for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine soaked buckwheat, sautéed vegetables, eggs, flour, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Using wet hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into patties.
- Fry fritters for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve warm with sour cream, farmer’s cheese, or bacon and onion sauce.
Notes
Looking for a hearty, wholesome, and easy vegetarian dish? These Lithuanian Buckwheat Fritters are a beloved classic in Eastern European kitchens – and for good reason! Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, these savory pancakes are packed with flavor and texture. 🧄🥕 They're the perfect comfort food, whether served as a main meal or a side dish.
🇱🇹 What Are Buckwheat Fritters?
Known locally in Lithuania as grikių blynai, these fritters are a simple, satisfying dish made from roasted buckwheat groats, vegetables, and a few pantry staples. Traditionally served warm with sour cream, farmer’s cheese dip, or a rich bacon and onion sauce, they offer an earthy, nutty flavor that's as comforting as it is nourishing. These pancakes are also naturally meatless, making them a great vegetarian option for lunch or dinner.🌾 Buckwheat: The Humble Grain With Superpowers
Don’t let the name fool you—buckwheat isn’t actually wheat. It's a gluten-free pseudo-grain that's been used for centuries in Lithuanian cooking. Known for its high fiber, antioxidants, and subtle nutty flavor, it's a nutritional powerhouse that brings both flavor and sustenance to your plate.Other Ways We Love Buckwheat:
- As a side dish with roasted veggies or stews.
- Tossed into salads for extra bite and earthiness.
- Baked into casseroles, like our favorite Buckwheat and Farmer's Cheese Bake.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, bold flavor. Here's what you'll need for the fritters:- ¾ cup (100g) roasted buckwheat groats (Kasza)
- 1 tbsp butter (or oil for a vegan version)
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped (or swap for shallots or spring onion)
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs (add a 3rd if the mix is too dry)
- ½ cup (70g) all-purpose flour (or buckwheat flour for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning (like Vegeta)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works well)
👩🍳 How to Make Buckwheat Fritters – Step-by-Step
1. Soak the Buckwheat
Place buckwheat groats in a pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and cover with boiling water. Let soak with the lid on for 30 minutes until tender.2. Sauté the Veggies
In a frying pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add chopped onion, grated carrot, and garlic. Cook for 7-8 minutes until soft and fragrant.3. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked buckwheat, sautéed vegetables, eggs, flour, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.4. Fry the Fritters
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. With wet hands or a spoon, form the batter into patties. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.5. Serve Warm & Enjoy
Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream, farmer’s cheese, or savory bacon-onion sauce. Optional: top with a poached egg for breakfast bliss! 🍳🌿 Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap plain flour for buckwheat flour.
- Add Cheese: Crumble in feta or Lithuanian farmer’s cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs like parsley or coriander.
- Try Other Veggies: Replace carrot with grated zucchini (squeeze out the moisture first!).
🍽️ What to Serve with Buckwheat Fritters?
These fritters are super versatile! Serve them:- As a main dish with a fresh salad or pickled veggies.
- Alongside Lithuanian Garden Salad or Carrot Salad with Sunflower Seeds.
- As a side to grilled meats or roasted chicken.
- Topped with an egg as a breakfast alternative to potato rösti.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Keeps for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Pan-fry or reheat in the oven to keep them crispy!
🥗 Is Buckwheat Healthy?
Absolutely! Buckwheat is rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. It's linked to improved heart health, better digestion, and stable blood sugar levels. It's also naturally gluten-free, making it a smart alternative for those with sensitivities.