Amaranth Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Meal Ideas

Amaranth is a tiny, ancient grain that has been a staple in diets around the world for centuries, prized for its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in cooking. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, amaranth offers an excellent plant-based source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Beyond its health benefits, amaranth’s slightly nutty flavor and unique texture make it a wonderful ingredient for a variety of dishes—from hearty breakfasts to savory mains and even desserts.

If you’re looking to diversify your vegan cooking repertoire, exploring amaranth recipes is an exciting and rewarding adventure. Whether you want a simple amaranth porridge or a creative amaranth salad, these recipes will inspire you to enjoy this superfood in multiple delicious ways.

Plus, cooking with amaranth is easy and adaptable, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amaranth shines as a vegan ingredient because it is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and rich in lysine, an amino acid often limited in other grains. This makes it a nutritional powerhouse for anyone looking to maintain a balanced vegan diet.

The recipes featured here are not only wholesome but also incredibly tasty. They showcase amaranth’s versatility as it can be incorporated into sweet or savory dishes, providing a hearty texture and subtle flavor that complements a wide range of ingredients.

Moreover, amaranth cooks quickly and can be prepared using simple kitchen equipment. These recipes are designed to be approachable, using common vegan pantry staples, so you can whip up satisfying meals without hassle.

Whether you want a comforting breakfast bowl, a filling salad, or even hearty vegan burgers, amaranth is a fantastic choice that will keep you nourished and energized.

Ingredients

• 1 cup amaranth grains
• 2 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil), chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Optional: ½ cup cooked black beans or chickpeas

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing amaranth)
• Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)

Instructions

1. Rinse the amaranth under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any dust or impurities.
2. Toast the amaranth in a dry saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it smells nutty. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you prefer.
3. Add the water or vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the grains are tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. While the amaranth cooks, heat the oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the onion and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in the chopped vegetables, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 7-8 minutes.
7. Once the amaranth is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
8. Add the sautéed vegetables to the amaranth along with any optional cooked beans or chickpeas. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
9. Stir in the fresh herbs and lemon juice just before serving for a burst of freshness.
10. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, try cooking amaranth with coconut milk instead of water.”

If you want to add more protein, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds on top before serving. You can also swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor or kale for extra greens.

For a breakfast twist, cook amaranth with cinnamon and plant-based milk, then top with fresh fruit and nuts for a nutritious porridge. Another fun idea is to make vegan amaranth bread by grinding cooked amaranth and mixing it into your favorite bread dough.

Experimenting with spices is encouraged! Amaranth pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern spices like sumac and za’atar or Indian spices like turmeric and garam masala.

For more vegan recipe inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Amaranth dishes can be served as a wholesome main course or as a side dish.

• Pair the savory amaranth salad with a fresh green salad and some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use cooked amaranth as a base for vegan bowls topped with avocado, roasted chickpeas, and tahini dressing.
• Serve amaranth porridges with maple syrup and berries for a nourishing breakfast.
• For a protein-packed lunch, combine amaranth with quinoa and chopped nuts, alongside some steamed greens.

For more creative plant-based recipes that complement amaranth well, explore our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or enjoy some comforting warmth with our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Delicious Amaranth Recipes Vegan

Amaranth Breakfast Porridge with Berries

This creamy, comforting porridge makes a perfect start to your day. Sweetened naturally with fruit and a touch of maple syrup, it’s a wholesome alternative to traditional oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup amaranth
• 3 cups almond or oat milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 cup mixed fresh berries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine amaranth and plant milk in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in cinnamon and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup.
4. Serve topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds if desired.

This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy amaranth in a sweet form. For more vegan breakfast ideas, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Savory Amaranth and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and nutrient-dense meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with colorful vegetables and seasoned with aromatic spices, this stir-fry highlights amaranth’s chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked amaranth
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked amaranth and soy sauce and toss well to combine.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds before serving.

This savory stir-fry is a great dinner option and pairs beautifully with a side of steamed greens. For more easy vegan dinner ideas, visit our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Amaranth Veggie Patties

These hearty vegan patties make a fantastic meatless burger alternative or a protein-packed snack. Combining cooked amaranth with mashed beans and spices gives them a wonderful texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked amaranth
• 1 cup cooked black beans, mashed
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated carrot
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked amaranth, mashed black beans, onion, garlic, carrot, flax egg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
3. Form the mixture into 6-8 patties, pressing firmly to ensure they don’t fall apart.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

These patties are excellent served on a whole grain bun with your favorite vegan mayo and fresh veggies. To explore more vegan snack options, try our Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.

Conclusion

Amaranth is a nutrient-dense, versatile grain that deserves a place in every vegan kitchen. From warming porridges to savory bowls and satisfying patties, its adaptability makes it a fantastic ingredient for a wide variety of delicious and healthy recipes.

Incorporating amaranth into your meals not only boosts your protein and mineral intake but also adds an interesting texture and subtle nutty flavor that can transform everyday dishes into something special.

By trying the recipes above, you’ll discover how easy it is to cook with amaranth and how well it pairs with different flavors and cuisines. Its quick cooking time and simple preparation make it an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want wholesome, plant-based meals.

For even more inspiring vegan recipes, don’t forget to check out our collection of Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals and Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. Happy cooking!

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