Amaranth is a seed and can be roasted, popped, boiled, and added to other dishes. It is most commonly eaten as a porridge (or cereal – hot or cold). I personally have also popped it and added it to an energy bar during my vegan month challenge.
Amaranth is a source of iron, B vitamins, calcium and zinc.
A 1/2 cup cooked serving provides 525kJ (125 calories), 23g Carbohydrates (low GI), 4g Fat, 2.5g Fibre, 4.5g Protein (Amaranth is a complete protein – all essential amino acids are present in this powerhouse grain).
How to Cook Amaranth as a Porridge
Prep time
Cook time
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A recipe for how to cook amaranth as a porridge with additional information in the notes for how else to use Amaranth
Author: Julie Perks Registered Dietitian
Serves: 1½ cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup Amaranth
- 1½ cups water
- Optional: fruit, nuts, cinnamon, honey
Method
- Place amaranth and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Keep a close eye on it towards the end and then serve it right away, as it will turn gummy and congeal if overcooked or left to sit.
- Optional is to top your porridge with fruit, nuts, cinnamon and/or honey.
Notes
• Popped. Toast a tablespoon of amaranth seeds a time in a hot, dry pot. Continually shake or stir until the seeds pop. Eat them as a snack or use them to top soups, salads, and vegetable dishes.
• Combined with other grains. When cooked with another grain, such as brown rice, amaranth doesn't overwhelm with its sticky consistency but adds a nutty sweetness. Use a ratio of ¼ cup amaranth to ¾ cup other grain and cook as usual.
• Added to soups and stews. Take advantage of amaranth's gelatinous quality and use it to thicken soup. A couple of tablespoons added while the soup is cooking is usually sufficient.
• Combined with other grains. When cooked with another grain, such as brown rice, amaranth doesn't overwhelm with its sticky consistency but adds a nutty sweetness. Use a ratio of ¼ cup amaranth to ¾ cup other grain and cook as usual.
• Added to soups and stews. Take advantage of amaranth's gelatinous quality and use it to thicken soup. A couple of tablespoons added while the soup is cooking is usually sufficient.
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