I’m sure by now that everyone knows about quinoa around here. You can make everything from cereal to tacos with it, but are you familiar with another ancient powerhouse grain called Amaranth? Well, like quinoa, it’s also a fantastic source of complete plant-based protein but it is also high in lysine which is known to help promote collagen growth, burn fat as energy and it keeps cold sores at bay. These tiny powerhouse seeds are a great source of fiber and they are just as versatile for cookin’ as our friend quinoa. And you can pop it like popcorn. That’s right, teeny tiny popcorn. I’ve made a How To’sday video to show you how it’s done, so watch it after the jump.
Friendly note: if you are at all adverse to a mess, this may not be a fun way for you to prepare amaranth—stick to recipes like Cinnamon Toast Protein Power Cereal. Personally, I find this recipe great for the spirit in that I always am smiling and laughing when I’m popping amaranth—it’s fun, but inevitably, a few grains will make a run for it and dive beyond the perimeter of the skillet. These days, I almost always use a plate, a fine mesh metal strainer or a pan lid to deflect the escape attempts from the popping amaranth. I have also heard that you can use a wok, air popper or saucepan to pop amaranth, but I haven’t tried those yet.
Let’s have some fun now.
Don’t be discouraged if the grains don’t pop right away, just adjust the temperature until you find the combination that works in your kitchen. Start with small spoonfuls of amaranth until you find what works (which usually means more heat).
For cleanup, if you have a handheld vacuum (it may sound crazy), it is great for sucking up all the little escapees that will dot your range and floor.
Store popped amaranth in a glass airtight glass container in your fridge or pantry for 4-6 weeks.
How will YU use popped amaranth?
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Try popped amaranth with these recipes:
Hearty Multi-Legume Chili
Sprinkle with popped amaranth
Amaranth Quinoa “Cinnamon Toast” Protein Power Cereal
Sprinkle with popped amaranth
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One Comment to “How To’sday: Popping Amaranth”
Ah, thank you for this! I love Brendan Brazier’s book “The Thrive Diet”, and he talks about popping amaranth, but I’ve tried a few times and only burned it. Boo.
I had no idea what I was doing wrong and gave up on it. Next time I’ll up the heat!
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