Creamy Gluten-Free Amaranth Porridge Recipe | Foodal (2024)

What’s your go-to breakfast? Are you a quick bowl of cereal while rushing out the door type of person? Or do you prefer to sit down and enjoy a relaxing breakfast to start your day?

A slow morning is my ideal scenario. These occasions generally begin with a warm bowl of hearty oatmeal – and of course, that much-needed hot cup of coffee!

Fresh from the pot, I still microwave my coffee for some extra heat. Am I the weirdo, or do you do that too?

But as much as I love my morning oatmeal, I’m always open to a little variety.

Have You Tried Amaranth?

Offering an earthy, nutty flavor, it has a texture that’s perfect for porridge. This chewy seed will add some pizzazz to your morning meal with a subtle pop in every bite.

One could be forgiven for mistaking the seeds for a smaller version of quinoa, as they look very similar. But unlike quinoa, it doesn’t fluff up when you cook it.

Instead of fluffing, it releases a lot of starch as it’s cooked, resulting in a gelatinous consistency. And this hearty, high-protein seed makes for a great oatmeal alternative!

According to the Whole Grains Council, amaranth is the common name for over 60 species of Amaranthus, which are tall, broad-leaved plants grown for their edible seeds and leaves.

Amaranth is technically a pseudocereal, so it’s not exactly a grain, although it does share many similarities.

Considered a native crop of Peru, it was a major food crop of the Aztecs. Used to feed the population, this seed was key to many religious ceremonies.

It grows best at higher elevations, but has an impressive adaptability to thrive in moist, loose soil in temperate climates.

Naturally gluten free, amaranth is a quality food option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. As Kaufui Wong notes in the Food and Nutrition International Journal, this pseudocereal is rich in protein, high in fiber, and contains valuable micronutrients and antioxidants. More specifically, it is a great source of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and iron.

And the benefits don’t stop there! According to a review on amaranth by the Journal of Food Science, this pseudocereal may also help to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the body. Can you believe all these benefits are packed into one simple ingredient?

How to Cook Amaranth

Amaranth is relatively easy to cook, especially when it comes to making a porridge. Simply combine it with your liquid of choice (milk, almond milk, coconut milk, water, etc.) and let it simmer until it’s creamy and dreamy.

You can also “pop” amaranth. Which just means you toast it in a skillet, and continually shaking until they pop! Then use them on top of salads or soups for an added crunch. Yum.

It can also be used to thicken soups and stews. Usually a tablespoon will do the trick, without leaving your soup too thick.

Is It Time for Breakfast Yet?

This tasty version of porridge is very easy to customize with any (or all!) of your favorite flavors for a delicious breakfast.

For this recipe, I chose one of my favorite combinations – mango, vanilla, and coconut flakes.

I’ve also made this porridge with banana, peanut butter and cinnamon. Or you could try sauteed apples with pecans and maple syrup. There are just so many options!

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Cooking By the Numbers…

Step 1 – Cook

In a small saucepan, combine amaranth, milk or water, salt, and any spices that you would like to add.

I suggest adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, or 1/2-1 teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice.

Bring to a boil, uncovered. Reduce heat to simmer and cover for 25 minutes, stirring frequently. Stirring often will help to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.

After about 15 minutes, check to see if the mixture seems dry. Add more liquid if needed and continue to simmer until the mixture is tender and creamy.

Step 2 – Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings, and sweeten as desired.

Some of our favorite toppings include: bananas, fresh berries, walnuts or other nuts, nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter), seeds (pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, ground flax seed, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, etc.), coconut flakes, and dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, etc.)

Flavor Suggestions

Make this creamy amaranth porridge your own:

• Try it with peanut butter or almond butter with jam.
• Chop up some fresh strawberries to pair with dried coconut and cocoa nibs.
• Toss in blueberries and walnuts to complement a spoonful of your favorite nut butter.
• Add pumpkin seeds, raisins, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Pour maple syrup over pecans and sauteed apples.

And there’s more where that came from… Have I mentioned mixing almond butter with figs and pomegranate seeds? Have you tried it with mango, vanilla, and coconut flakes? The possibilities really are endless!

Pro tip: Want to prepare your porridge ahead of time? Make multiple servings and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that the cooking time may increase when multiplying the recipe.

Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. If your porridge is looking dry, add more liquid, stirring occasionally while reheating until you find your desired consistency.