Amaranth is one of those ancient grains that has been cherished for centuries due to its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen. For vegan dinner lovers, amaranth offers a hearty and satisfying base that easily adapts to a variety of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re aiming for a comforting bowl or a vibrant salad, amaranth’s slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a perfect ingredient for wholesome vegan meals. Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking nutritious dinner options.
In this blog post, you’ll discover several delicious vegan amaranth recipes that transform this humble grain into mouthwatering dinners. From creamy amaranth risotto to colorful stuffed peppers, these recipes are designed to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of amaranth and explore how it can elevate your vegan dinner game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amaranth is a powerhouse grain that brings a unique texture and rich nutritional benefits to your dinner table. Here’s why these amaranth vegan recipes stand out:
- High in Protein: Amaranth contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a rare plant-based complete protein.
- Gluten-Free & Nutritious: Perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivity or those looking for nutrient-dense food.
- Versatile: Whether you want a warm, comforting dish or a fresh, vibrant salad, amaranth adapts beautifully.
- Easy to Cook: These recipes are straightforward, with simple steps suitable for cooks of all levels.
- Delicious & Filling: The nutty flavor and satisfying chewiness of amaranth make these meals both tasty and hearty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth grain
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (for cooking amaranth)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander or sieve (for rinsing amaranth)
- Serving bowls or plates
Instructions
- Rinse the amaranth grain thoroughly under cold running water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any residue or bitterness.
- Cook the amaranth: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed amaranth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender but still slightly chewy.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the amaranth cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, tomatoes, and chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the vegetable mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Combine the cooked amaranth with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Finish with lemon juice to brighten the flavors and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve warm in bowls or plates and enjoy your nutritious vegan dinner!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra creamy texture, cook the amaranth with a splash of coconut milk instead of part of the vegetable broth.”
– Feel free to swap kale or spinach with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens.
– Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
– For a spicier dish, include some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauté.
– Try mixing in different beans like black beans or lentils instead of chickpeas for variety.
– For a Mediterranean twist, add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Iron | 4 mg (22% DV) |
Calcium | 90 mg (9% DV) |
Vitamin C | 30 mg (33% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty amaranth dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread or vegan flatbreads to scoop up the flavorful mixture.
For a protein boost, serve with a side of roasted tofu or tempeh seasoned with your favorite spices. Adding a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce on top adds a creamy contrast that complements the grain’s nuttiness beautifully.
More Vegan Amaranth Dinner Recipes to Try
Feeling inspired to explore more amaranth-based dinners? Here are two more delicious vegan recipes you can try:
Amaranth and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
- Cooked amaranth mixed with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and southwestern spices.
- Stuff into halved bell peppers and bake until tender.
- Serve with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
Creamy Amaranth and Mushroom Risotto
- Saute mushrooms, garlic, and shallots.
- Cook amaranth slowly adding vegetable broth until creamy.
- Finish with nutritional yeast and fresh thyme for added flavor.
- Saute mushrooms, garlic, and shallots.
- Cook amaranth slowly adding vegetable broth until creamy.
- Finish with nutritional yeast and fresh thyme for added flavor.
Both of these recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and perfect for a cozy vegan dinner.
For more inspiring vegan recipes, check out these favorites:
- Blackberry Juicing Recipes – refreshing and nutrient-dense beverages.
- Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes – flavorful vegan noodle dishes.
- Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe – vibrant vegetable medleys perfect for dinner.
Conclusion
Amaranth is a fantastic ingredient to embrace for vegan dinners as it combines nutrition with satisfying flavor and texture. Its versatility allows you to craft dishes that are not only healthy but also exciting and delicious.
Whether you’re cooking up a simple amaranth bowl, stuffed peppers, or a creamy risotto, this ancient grain will elevate your meals and keep you feeling nourished.
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and easy steps, you can create dinner recipes that suit your taste and lifestyle perfectly. So why not give amaranth a try tonight and explore the wonderful world of vegan cooking?
Your palate and body will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Amaranth Stir-Fry Dinner
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegan dinner featuring protein-rich amaranth and fresh vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse amaranth under cold water.
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to boil and add amaranth.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in kale and cherry tomatoes, cook until kale wilts.
- Add cooked amaranth to the vegetables, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 50 g
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