Amaranth Indian Veg Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals

Amaranth is a powerhouse leafy green, widely cherished in Indian kitchens for its vibrant color, earthy flavor, and numerous health benefits. Whether you call it chaulai, rajgira, or simply amaranth, this versatile vegetable is a staple in many Indian households.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, amaranth lends itself beautifully to a variety of Indian veg recipes, from simple stir-fries to hearty dals and curries. If you’re looking to add a nutritious twist to your meals, incorporating amaranth is a fantastic choice.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious and easy-to-make Indian vegetarian recipes featuring amaranth, along with helpful tips, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to elevate your cooking game.

Get ready to enjoy the fresh, mildly nutty taste of amaranth leaves and grains with these authentic recipes that promise to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amaranth Indian veg recipes are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. The leaves are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making them a superb choice for boosting immunity and maintaining strong bones.

The grain form of amaranth is gluten-free and a good source of protein, perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets.

These recipes are straightforward, quick to prepare, and use commonly available Indian spices that enhance the natural flavors of amaranth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are adaptable and satisfying.

Plus, they make excellent use of seasonal leafy greens, helping reduce food waste and keeping your meals fresh and vibrant.

Ingredients

• Amaranth leaves – 2 cups, washed and chopped
• Amaranth grains – 1 cup (optional, for grain-based dishes)
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato – 1 medium, chopped
• Green chili – 1, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Red chili powder – ¼ tsp (optional)
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tbsp (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
• Water – as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai for sautéing
• Knife and chopping board for prepping vegetables
• Mixing bowls for washing vegetables
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander for washing leafy greens
• Pressure cooker (optional, for amaranth grains)

Instructions

Amaranth Leaf Stir-Fry (Chaulai Bhaji)

1. Wash the amaranth leaves thoroughly in running water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain and chop them finely.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin and mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add green chili and tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
5. Sprinkle turmeric and red chili powder and mix well.
6. Add the chopped amaranth leaves and salt. Stir continuously to combine the spices with the leaves.
7. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the leaves wilt and become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.

Amaranth Grain Khichdi

1. Rinse 1 cup of amaranth grains and ½ cup yellow moong dal thoroughly.
2. Soak them together in water for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
4. Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic and sauté until translucent.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and green chili and cook until soft.
6. Add turmeric powder, salt, and the soaked amaranth grains and moong dal.
7. Add 3 cups of water and stir well.
8. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles on medium flame.
9. Allow the pressure to release naturally, then open the lid and mix the khichdi gently.
10. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee and pickle.

Amaranth Leaves Dal (Saag Dal)

1. Cook 1 cup yellow moong dal with 3 cups water and turmeric until soft.
2. Wash and chop 2 cups amaranth leaves.
3. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
4. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili and sauté until golden.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until mushy.
6. Add chopped amaranth leaves and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
7. Pour the cooked dal into this mixture and stir well.
8. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add salt to taste.
9. Garnish with coriander and serve with steamed rice or chapati.

Tips & Variations

Always wash amaranth leaves thoroughly to remove any sand or grit, as they tend to trap dirt between their delicate leaves.

For a nuttier flavor, you can toast amaranth grains lightly before cooking.

Try adding coconut milk or grated fresh coconut to the stir-fry for a South Indian twist.

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of green chili or add a pinch of garam masala towards the end of cooking.

Amaranth pairs wonderfully with other greens like spinach or fenugreek, so feel free to mix in other leafy veggies you have on hand.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values vary slightly based on preparation method and recipe variations.

Serving Suggestions

Amaranth dishes pair beautifully with simple Indian staples like steamed basmati rice, chapati, or paratha. For a wholesome meal, serve amaranth leaf stir-fry alongside dal and a bowl of plain yogurt or raita.

You can also complement amaranth grain khichdi with a tangy pickle or papad for added texture and flavor.

For festive occasions or a more elaborate meal, try pairing amaranth-based dishes with Breakfast Wellington Recipe or enjoy them as part of a balanced plate with Bread And Gravy Recipe. For something different, explore the range of Indian vegetable recipes like Bok Choy Recipe Indian to enhance your vegetable repertoire.

Conclusion

Amaranth Indian veg recipes are a delightful way to enjoy a nutrient-rich and tasty meal. Whether you’re cooking with the leafy greens or the grains, amaranth adds a unique texture and flavor to your dishes.

These recipes are perfect for those seeking healthy, quick, and flavorful vegetarian meals inspired by traditional Indian cuisine.

Incorporating amaranth into your cooking not only boosts the nutritional value of your diet but also introduces you to a versatile ingredient that works well with various spices and cooking methods. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can confidently whip up these wholesome dishes.

So, gather your ingredients and bring the vibrant flavors of amaranth to your table today!

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