Looking for another grain to add to your breakfast routine to mix things up? Try amaranth! I like to make popped amaranth and either do it plan or mix it with chia, quinoa, or oats for some texture. When popped it is really light and airy. Think super tiny little kernels of popcorn and more than doubles! One serving, 1/4 of a cup will make a bowl when popped.
To make basic popped amaranth you just heat a skillet on medium- high and wait for the pan to heat up. It needs to be really hot. Than you add a little amaranth, I usually do 2 TBSP at a time, so a bowl like this I would do it two batches just so I don’t burn it. Otherwise when mixing it with other grains or seeds I only make 2 TBSP. When your pan is heated add your amaranth, quickly cover, and shimmy back and forth. It won’t take long for it all to pop, less than 20 seconds. If you keep it there too long it will burn. At first I burnt some but quickly got the hang of it and how quick it pops.
This morning I added some sliced bananas and vanilla almond milk. Mmm. Maybe start by having it with fruit and milk and next time add it in with another grain or seed and experiment. Possibilities are endless.
Karissa
I got a pail of amaranth a couple of years ago at my grain store. I’ve tried twice to cook it kind of like quinoa and both times it has tasted like dirt despite rinsing it prior to cooking. I wonder if popping it will mask this dirt taste…I seem to have this problem with both quinoa and amaranth which makes it pretty difficult for me to enjoy these great ancient grains. How frustrating.
awhiskandtwowands
Karissa have you tried to cook your quinoa with broth? I find that the family likes it better that way, some still like rice better. When I do summer salads I add avocado. I however like it so I eat it for breakfast or anytime. I have only had amaranth once cooked and I can’t remember it since I started popping it I only eat it that way. It is like tiny popcorns I guess is how I would discribe it. I did burn it the first time so it might not be perfect your first attempt. Just remember to have a hot pan, use a small amount, and keep shaking the pan. You will have to let me know how you like it if you try it poppep.
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