Buckwheat and Beef Pilaf (Plov)

olive oil

unsalted butter (divided)

large onion (diced)

to 1 1/4 lbs beef (chuck, sirloin or good quality stew meat, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/2" to 3/4" thick pieces)

large carrots (julienned)

buckwheat groats (aka grechka)

cold filtered water + 1 cup hot water

salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste (I use sea salt))

cumin spice to taste

full head of unpeeled garlic