Start your morning with gluten-free Amaranth Porridge. Amaranth is a plant protein source that is packed with calcium, iron, and triple the fiber of wheat.
There is a new kid in town and his name is Amaranth! So watch out quinoa it looks like you may have some competition in my kitchen!
Well, I guess I should clarify. HE is a grain that I discovered while shopping at Marshalls, and I don’t know why I’ve never been aware of this little seed, but it’s a nutritional powerhouse!
I love going to Marshalls to browse through their food isle. I find different brands of coffee that I don’t always see in our grocery stores as well as a variety of spices and oils.
A little bag of tiny seeds (smaller than chia, maybe the same size as quinoa) of amaranth caught my eye so I took a closer look, and was intrigued by the suggested way to prepare it; pop it like popcorn, grind it into flour, toast it or cook it like rice.
He came home with me and as soon as I was able, I googled AMARANTH to see what I could learn. Apparently, this guy dates back 8,000 years to ancient Aztec and Incan civilizations. Not a new discovery at all, but I suppose not a very popular grain!
If you are interested in learning more, I found this article, Amaranth, a healthy grain for vegetarian recipes to be full of information and a couple of recipes that looked interesting. The Amaranth Grits recipe caught my eye, and I thought that for my first try at using the grain I would start with something similar.
Porridge seems to be such an old-fashioned name, but I was at a loss for what to call this oatmeal-like breakfast besides yummy or tasty!!
I cooked the amaranth with almond milk and half of a split vanilla bean, which yielded sweet, creamy, nutty flavors. There is a little chewy texture in the porridge, and I topped it with strawberries, walnuts and honey.
Amaranth reheats well too. I put some in a jelly jars to take with me to work, and added some more almond milk to get a creamy texture when I warmed it in the microwave. You can find Amaranth at nutrition stores. I hope Whole Foods carries it because I’m ready to experiment some more!
Amaranth Porridge
This bowl of nutritious porridge is simple to make is a nice change from the traditional bowl of oatmeal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup Amaranth
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split (or you can add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- fruit (optional)
- walnuts (optional)
- honey or sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan stir in the almond milk, amaranth and vanilla together. Bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove vanilla pod.
Serve with fruit, nuts, honey and additional almond milk if you would like.
Notes
I lightly toasted the walnuts in a non-stick pan to bring out the nutty flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 5gSugar: 18gProtein: 7g
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
Kathy McDaniel
I’ve never had amaranth porridge but I am determined to change that and make this recipe! It is such a healthy and delicious breakfast (or lunch) option!
Sandra Shaffer
You’ll enjoy the change, Kathy!
Debra C.
I have never heard of Amaranth and now I’ve seen recipes twice in one week! We will definitely give it a try, porridge is a great way to start the day!
Michaela Kenkel
This is the first I am hearing of Amaranth? You can bet I am looking for it now! So many ideas in my head to use it!
Jennifer A Stewart
I have some amaranth grain, because I can’t not buy something new at the Sprouts, but I didn’t have a recipe to go with it! Thanks!
michele
Im always looking for new things to try,…. this amaranth is now on my radar. It sounds great!
Angela
Ah! I’ve heard of this but never knew what you could use it for! This sounds like a really fantastic way to start the morning and get some healthy stuff into the body! Cant wait to they it.
Carolyn
This sounds so lovely in the morning, the perfect way to start your day off right!
Dan from Platter Talk
This is the second recipe for this new kid on the block that I have drooled over today! Clearly, I have to get better acquainted with amaranth; this porridge looks like the perfect place to start!
Sandra Shaffer
Amaranth is such a healthy source of protein. New to me too 😉
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks Joanne!
Sandra Shaffer
The honey and strawberry is a perfect blend. The walnuts add a nice crunch too 😉
Sandra Shaffer
After learning more about amaranth, I’m going to try more recipes. It’s such a healthy grain.
shelby
I haven’t used Amaranth before either. I also LOVE Marshalls (Home Goods and TJMaxx) for the same reason. I usually head right straight to the back of the store upon entering building. 🙂
Sandra Shaffer
It’s so fun to see what those stores might have. It always changes, so this was fun to get to try Amaranth!
Aunt Bee
I have never cooked with Amaranth. I am curious to try it now! I need your little bee honey utensil! Where did you get it???
Sandra Shaffer
I found that little bee at a grocery store of all places! You definitely need one, so if I see another I’ll mail it to you 🙂
Liz
I’ve heard of amaranth, but never have cooked nor eaten it! As a huge fan of quinoa, I have a feeling I’d love this ancient grain, too 🙂
Sandra Shaffer
You gotta give amaranth a try! You’ll definitely love it!
Priya
Very healthy recipe! I use Amaranth regularly in our diet. Very healthy and packed with nutrition. Its commonly available in India known as Rajgira. We makes sweets like laddoo, pooris which can be served with vegetables etc..
Sandra Shaffer
Thank you, Priya! I would love to learn more about amaranth and how to incorporate it in my diet. I’m going to investigate those dishes to try!
Marye
I haven’t tried it but that sounds amazing!
Sandra Shaffer
I’m so excited to have found amaranth. It is a tasty grain as a porridge. I’m anxious to try other dishes too!
Choc Chip Uru
This porridge looks so delicious, great breakfast idea 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks! It was a satisfying way to start my day 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
Definitely called porridge here. I’ve seen amaranth in the gardens and kitchens as leaves but never used the seeds. Clever breakfast!
Sandra Shaffer
I don’t know where I’ve been, but I never know what the plant was called until now! This porridge was a nice change from the oatmeal I often eat.
Nicole Neverman
I have never actually heard of amaranth! But any breakfast with vanilla and honey has my tick of deliciousness. I would really love to try this 🙂
Sandra Shaffer
Oh, glad to know I’m not alone! So many healthy benefits in amaranth. I hope you give this a try!
LydiaF
Another source for amaranth would be Indian food stores and health food stores. I think Bob’s Red Mill sells it too. Now I’m curious about how it would taste popped. Enjoy your new friend 🙂
Sandra Shaffer
Oh, that makes sense! Thanks for the tips. I can’t wait to buy more amaranth! He’s sticking around for awhile 😉