Amaranth greens are a vibrant, nutrient-packed leafy vegetable cherished in many cultures worldwide. These tender greens boast a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of spices and cooking methods.
For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, amaranth greens offer an excellent way to add color, texture, and a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals to your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based eating, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of this often-overlooked green.
In this post, we’ll explore several delicious and easy vegan recipes featuring amaranth greens, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even snacks. From simple sautéed greens to hearty stews and vibrant salads, you’ll find plenty of ideas to boost your plant-based repertoire.
Plus, we’ll share handy tips and variations to customize the dishes to your taste. Ready to dive into the wonderful world of amaranth greens?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amaranth greens are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Their tender leaves cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, these greens support overall health and wellness. These recipes highlight the natural flavors of amaranth while incorporating bold spices and fresh ingredients to create balanced, vibrant dishes.
Moreover, all recipes are 100% vegan, free from dairy and animal products, and easy to adapt for gluten-free or soy-free diets. Whether you want a quick sauté, a comforting stew, or a fresh salad, these amaranth greens recipes bring variety and nutrition to your table without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- Amaranth greens: 4 cups, washed and chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Green chili: 1, chopped (optional for heat)
- Coconut oil or olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1/4 cup (for sautéing)
- Fresh coriander leaves: a small bunch, chopped
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Colander or salad spinner (for washing greens)
Instructions
- Prepare the amaranth greens: Rinse the amaranth greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the coconut or olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to pop for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili (if using). Stir frequently and cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and turmeric powder. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the greens: Add the chopped amaranth greens. Stir well to coat the greens with the tomato mixture. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover the skillet, and let the greens steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but vibrant green.
- Season the dish: Remove the lid and stir gently to mix. Add salt to taste and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Finish with lemon and herbs: Turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves. Give it a final gentle stir.
- Serve warm: Transfer the sautéed amaranth greens to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a side or main.
Tips & Variations
“For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the cumin and mustard seeds before adding oil. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some coconut cream or cashew cream at the end.”
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili powder or smoked paprika for extra heat and depth.
- Make it a stew: Add diced potatoes or chickpeas during the tomato cooking stage for a heartier meal.
- Use other oils: Sesame oil or avocado oil can add interesting flavor twists.
- Try fresh herbs: Mint or basil can be swapped for coriander to change the flavor profile.
- Include coconut: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for additional texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup cooked) |
---|---|
Calories | 85 |
Protein | 4.5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Iron | 3 mg (17% DV) |
Calcium | 150 mg (15% DV) |
Vitamin A | 5000 IU (100% DV) |
Vitamin C | 25 mg (28% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
This sautéed amaranth greens recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside your favorite grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or millet for a complete meal.
It pairs beautifully with vegan lentil stews, bean curries, or even simple roasted vegetables.
For breakfast inspiration, try pairing these greens with a tofu scramble or incorporate them into a savory vegan [Breakfast Wellington Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/breakfast-wellington-recipe/).
If you love hearty meals, they complement dishes like the [Boots And Sonny’S Chili Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/boots-and-sonny-s-chili-recipe/) perfectly.
Alternatively, toss cooled sautéed amaranth greens into a salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing twist. The options are endless!
More Delicious Amaranth Greens Vegan Recipes
Amaranth Greens and Coconut Curry
This creamy, fragrant curry combines amaranth greens with coconut milk, mustard seeds, and curry leaves for a comforting dish. Serve it with basmati rice or flatbreads for an authentic vegan Indian meal.
Amaranth Greens Stir-Fry with Tofu
A quick and protein-packed stir-fry featuring tofu cubes, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights and pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Amaranth Greens and Chickpea Stew
Hearty and filling, this stew uses chickpeas and tomatoes simmered with amaranth greens and warming spices like cumin and coriander. Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
Amaranth Greens and Quinoa Salad
Light and nutritious, this salad combines cooked amaranth greens with quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-tahini dressing. Ideal for lunches or picnics.
Amaranth Greens Smoothie Bowl
Blend fresh amaranth greens with banana, pineapple, and coconut water for a refreshing green smoothie bowl. Top with granola and seeds for crunch.
Conclusion
Amaranth greens are a fantastic addition to any vegan kitchen, offering vibrant color, unbeatable nutrition, and a mild flavor that adapts well to many dishes. Whether you sauté them simply with garlic and tomatoes or incorporate them into rich curries and hearty stews, these greens elevate your meals with ease.
With their quick cooking time and adaptability, amaranth greens can help you whip up healthy, nutrient-dense dishes any day of the week. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs, spices, and complementary ingredients to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile green.
For more inspiration on vegan dishes and wholesome recipes, check out other posts on our site, such as the [Blackberry Juicing Recipes](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/vegan/blackberry-juicing-recipes/) or the [Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/vegan/zucchini-peppers-onions-tomatoes-recipe/).
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Sautéed Amaranth Greens Vegan Style
Description: A simple and nutritious vegan recipe featuring tender amaranth greens sautéed with garlic and spices. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh amaranth greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add green chili and turmeric powder; stir well.
- Add chopped amaranth greens and salt; mix thoroughly.
- Pour water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until greens are tender.
- Remove lid, cook off excess water if any, then add lemon juice.
- Stir well and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 5 g
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