7 Delicious Amaranth Recipes You Must Try

Are you on the lookout for healthy and delicious meal options that are packed with nutrition and flavor? Amaranth, an ancient grain known for its impressive nutritional profile, should definitely be on your radar. This versatile grain has been consumed for thousands of years in various parts of the world and is making a significant comeback due to its numerous health benefits. Today, we're exploring 7 Delicious Amaranth Recipes that you absolutely must try. From breakfast to dinner, amaranth can be incorporated into your meals in ways that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Amaranth Breakfast Porridge

Start your day on a wholesome note with a warm and comforting Amaranth Breakfast Porridge:

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup amaranth grains
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: fresh fruits, nuts, seeds
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add amaranth, and reduce heat to a simmer.
  2. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is absorbed.
  3. Add milk and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until it reaches a porridge consistency.
  4. Stir in sweetener and salt, then serve hot with your favorite toppings.

🌟 Note: You can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based milk options and agave instead of honey.

Amaranth and Quinoa Salad

Looking for a refreshing lunch or side dish? An Amaranth and Quinoa Salad might just hit the spot:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup cooked amaranth
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint)
  • Salad dressing of your choice
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the cooked amaranth and quinoa in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and herbs.
  3. Dress with your preferred vinaigrette or oil and lemon juice.
  4. Toss well and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Amaranth and Spinach Soup

On cooler days, a bowl of Amaranth and Spinach Soup is soothing and nutritious:

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup amaranth
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Stir in amaranth, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Add spinach, cook until wilted, then blend the soup until smooth.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving.

Amaranth Tabbouleh

Give a unique twist to the traditional Middle Eastern dish by substituting bulgur with amaranth:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked amaranth, cooled
  • 1 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  3. Serve garnished with additional fresh herbs.

🌱 Note: This dish gets better when it sits, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Amaranth Stuffed Peppers

For a colorful and nutritious meal, try these Amaranth Stuffed Peppers:

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 4 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked amaranth
  • ¹⁄₂ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ¹⁄₂ cup corn kernels
  • ¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₄ cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix amaranth, beans, corn, tomatoes, spices, and cheese if using.
  3. Stuff the peppers with this mixture, drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

Chocolate Amaranth Energy Balls

These no-bake treats are perfect for a quick energy boost:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup amaranth puffs
  • 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
  • A pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until well mixed but still chunky.
  2. Form into balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
  3. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for a firm texture.

Amaranth Pancakes

Switch up your breakfast routine with these nutrient-rich Amaranth Pancakes:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup amaranth flour
  • 1 cup milk or milk substitute
  • 1 egg or flaxseed egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or natural sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • A pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients.
  2. Add wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  3. Cook on a medium-heated griddle or pan, flipping once bubbles appear.

Incorporating amaranth into your diet is not only a step towards healthier eating but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. These seven recipes showcase amaranth's versatility, from enhancing your breakfast to enriching your dinner table. Whether you're looking for a new grain to try or seeking to add more nutrition to your meals, amaranth offers a delightful and nutritious option. Enjoy experimenting with this ancient grain in your kitchen and savor the benefits it brings to your health and palate.

What is amaranth, and how is it different from grains like quinoa?

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Amaranth is actually a pseudocereal like quinoa, meaning it’s not a true grain but is used like one in cooking. While both offer high nutritional value, amaranth is richer in protein, fiber, and certain minerals like calcium and iron.

Can amaranth be eaten by people with gluten intolerance?

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Yes, amaranth is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What health benefits does amaranth offer?

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Amaranth is high in protein, fiber, and contains significant amounts of essential amino acids, calcium, iron, and magnesium, which can help with bone health, digestion, and cardiovascular health.

How can I store amaranth to ensure it remains fresh?

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Store amaranth grains in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can last up to a year if kept away from heat, light, and moisture.

Are there any special culinary tips for cooking with amaranth?

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Amaranth seeds can expand when cooked, so keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid it becoming too mushy. Also, rinsing amaranth can help remove any residual saponins, which might make the dish taste slightly soapy.