Buckwheat Crepes | Kuttu Dosa | French Crepes

What is buckwheat

Buckwheat, a superfood, is a seed but has all the nutritional and cooking properties of the grain. Contrary to its name, it doesn't contain wheat, is naturally gluten-free, and is packed with nutrients. Similar to amaranth and quinoa, buckwheat is a pseudo cereal which means it doesn’t grow on grasses! Buckwheat though underrated, is one of the healthiest foods which is tasty, easy to prepare, and inexpensive. Buckwheat is also extremely versatile and can replace rice, couscous, potatoes, pasta, etc in recipes.

Why is it healthy

Buckwheat has many health benefits. It has a low Glycemic Index in comparison to wheat and rice. Buckwheat contains more fiber, potassium, vitamins, and less saturated fat than oatmeal. It's anti-inflammatory, has prebiotic properties, and is great for people with functional gut disorders. Buckwheat also helps you to feel full faster which may help to control weight. Recipes made with buckwheat are naturally gluten-free and high in fiber and protein. They are also Diabetic friendly.

How to add buckwheat to the diet

Buckwheat is consumed either in groats (whole grains) form which are the hulled seeds of the plant or in flour (Kuttu atta) form. It's also commonly called Kasha but it actually refers to a cooked porridge made from roasted buckwheat groats. Buckwheat groats can be eaten as cereal, can be added to salads for that extra crunch, or can turn them into pasta/noodles. Buckwheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in recipes because it's healthier. Both groats and flour can be used to make batter for crepes, waffles, pancakes, cookies, bread, cakes, and soba noodles.

Buckwheat in Indian recipes

There are many ways to incorporate buckwheat into Indian recipes. You can make dosas, parathas, rotis, puris, dhoklas, or even khichdi. This savory buckwheat crepe/dosa recipe is inspired by Indian Rava Dosa because the technique and finish of these crepes are very similar. Dosa is a South Indian dish that's normally prepared with a fermented batter consisting of rice and lentils. There are many variations to dosa and this kuttu dosa recipe is one of them.

This healthy dosa recipe substitutes the rice with buckwheat to create a gluten-free and healthier version of this classic dish. The savory buckwheat crepe batter also doesn't need to be fermented and the dosa can be made instantly. It's perfect for those who want to avoid gluten and rice in their diets. Kuttu in India, is one of the most common types of Millet and is often used during Navratri fasting time. That is why these buckwheat crepes are also called Kuttu ka dosa, Falahari Dosa, or Vrat ka dosa. The other popular vrat/upvaas/fasting food is Sabudana Khichdi.

What are French Galettes

In French cuisine, buckwheat (also known as black what) is used to make savory crepes called Galettes. Savory Galette bretonne, or French buckwheat galette is eaten everywhere across France and is usually served with a fried egg, cheese, and sometimes ham. My version of the savory French buckwheat crepe recipe is dairy-free.

What do these vegan crepes taste like

These healthy and delicate Indian/French buckwheat crepes have a very unique flavor. They have a hint of sweetness and also have a nutty, and earthy flavor with a slight bitterness. It's a bit of an acquired taste but once you get used to it, it's fine. This recipe also works best for those who may have a problem with the texture of buckwheat groats. Grinding it to make crepes makes it enjoyable for many. The crepes are tender in the center and crispy on the edges.

Why make this

• This savory buckwheat crepe recipe is vegan, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free
• Made without eggs, milk, rice, lentils, or any other flour
• Very healthy, nutritious, and low-calorie snack
• Great way to include buckwheat or kuttu in the diet
• Can be made instantly because no fermentation is required
• Perfect for fasting, vrat, or upvaas days

Buckwheat - I have used roasted buckwheat groats in this recipe. You can also use homemade or store-bought kuttu atta instead. Buckwheat flour comes in light and dark varieties. The lighter one is hulled and has a milder flavor, while the darker one is not hulled and is higher in protein. You can use either one in this gluten-free dosa/crepes recipe.

Spices, and aromatics - cumin seeds, green chillies (you can also use minced jalapeno or serrano peppers), ginger, amchur powder, and cilantro are the basic ingredients needed to make these delicious vegan and gluten-free crepes.

Water, dairy-free yogurt, or buttermilk (regular if not vegan) is used to make the batter. I use dairy-free ghee for fat to make these buckwheat dosa. You can also use coconut oil or any vegetable oil. If you are not vegan, then use regular ghee to make them.

Besides these ingredients, you will also need a tawa, skillet, or a crepe pan and dosa turner to make these crispy savory crepes.

1. Rinse the buckwheat groats under running water. Then soak them in water for 30 minutes. Soaking them helps break down the phytic acid content, making them more digestible and their minerals more bioavailable. It will make the grinding process easy. You can also soak it overnight.
2. Drain and transfer to a blender.
3. Add green chillies, and ginger. Grind it to a smooth batter by adding one cup of water.
4. Transfer to a bowl.

5. Add finely chopped cilantro, cumin seeds, amchur powder, and salt. Mix.
6. Adjust the batter consistency by adding 1.5 cups water. It should be a thin-flowing batter. French Buckwheat crepes batter is ready.
7. Heat a tawa on medium heat and pour a ladle full of batter from a height. Pour the batter in such a way that it forms a thin round crepe. Drizzle ghee and cook for a couple of minutes on medium flame.
8. When holes begin to form on the kuttu dosa, then carefully flip and cook the other side similarly. Chef tip - Every time before pouring the batter, give it a stir because the flour tends to settle at the bottom of the bowl. Prepare as many as you need and store the remaining batter.

Serving suggestions 🍽 

You can watch this gluten-free French buckwheat crepes recipe video on my Instagram reels. Serve these dosa or crepes immediately when they are still crisp. Serve them for breakfast or as an evening after-school snack. They can also be served for lunch or dinner. Gluten-free buckwheat dosa can also be served for vrat or upwaas, especially during Navratri. If you are looking for a different breakfast or snack recipe, then give this healthy dosa recipe a try.

What to serve with crepes

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious buckwheat crepes for breakfast and serve it with tea/coffee or a smoothie. If serving as a meal, some fillings for crepes are crumbled paneer or tofu, stir-fried veggies, sauteed mushrooms, avocado, or greens and/or sour cream. Serve these gluten-free savory crepes along with a bowl of soup or salad. You can also stuff it with cherry tomatoes, pesto, tahini, cheese, dijon mustard, or cream cheese.

If serving it as Buckwheat dosa then serve it with a side of chutney like coconut chutney, coriander mint chutney, tomato peanuts chutney, almond tomato chutney, Bombay chutney, or lettuce chutney. You can also serve these gluten-free and vegan crepes with sambhar, rasam, and/or molagapdi. You can also prepare a stuffing with spiced potatoes or sweet potatoes and use that as a stuffing, similar to masala dosa.

Top recipe tips 💭

The consistency of the batter should be very thin similar to Rava Dosa. If you want, let the crepe batter rest for at least 1 hour to hydrate the flour. When making the crepes, ensure the skillet is not very hot. If you sprinkle water on the tawa, they should form droplets. Use a ¼ or ½ cup measurement to pour the batter on the tawa. Reduce the flame to medium and then pour the batter from a height (5-6 inches). It will begin to form a lacy pattern.

When the crepes are still hot, sprinkle some dairy-free cheese on top for that extra flavor. Making these nutty breakfast crepes require a little bit of practice but don't lose hope. The first few are test ones. If you want, you can also temper the batter like we do when making Onion Rava Dosa. If you make a thick batter using these ingredients, then you can make buckwheat pancakes.

FAQs 📖