Amaranth Is the New Quinoa: Here Are 14 Ways to Use the Ancient Grain
Friends, meet amaranth. It’s an ancient grain originally eaten by the Aztecs in central Mexico, and it’s making its way into all sorts of modern dishes—and seriously trending online. We love to substitute it for rice or quinoa, and add it to baked goods like muffins and waffles. Try these 14 recipes and become an official convert. (Oh, and did we mention amaranth is gluten-free and packed with protein?)
RELATED: 25 Quinoa Bowl Recipes to Try For Dinner
Gluten-Free Sweet Amaranth Waffles with Spiced Chai Poached Pears
Amaranth flour and whole-grain amaranth are used in these hearty, gluten-free waffles. Candied popped amaranth adds a sweet finishing touch, making it the ultimate weekend brunch dish.
Gluten-Free Amaranth Tortillas and Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos
Mix amaranth with other ancient grains for a stellar gluten-free tortilla. Try them with these vegetarian-friendly breakfast tacos.
Lively Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Combine amaranth, oat and cornmeal with Meyer lemon and pureed carrots for the most delicious gluten-free, vegan muffins.
Turkey Amaranth Meatball Bake with Cauliflower
Mark our words: The whole family will be asking for seconds of this casserole. The secret ingredient? Cooked amaranth, which keeps the turkey meatballs light and tender.
Ginger Amaranth Crumble
These delicious, crunchy bites combine popped amaranth with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and candied ginger.
No-Bake Vegan Protein Bars
Looking for a quick snack on the go? Add amaranth to no-bake vegan protein bars (…along with peanut butter and dark chocolate, of course).
RELATED: 30 Easy Vegan Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes
Amaranth Chicken Burgers
The secret to keeping chicken burgers light and moist? Amaranth. Cook it in advance to make this recipe extra quick and easy.
Magic Multigrain Whole-Wheat Sandwich Bread
Any ancient grain, including amaranth, works in this delicious homemade whole-wheat bread.
Rhubarb Apple Amaranth Porridge
For vegans, breakfast is the toughest meal of the day. (Ugh, oatmeal again?) Jazz things up with a versatile porridge you can serve with any seasonal fruit.
Amaranth Cakes with Lentils, Kale and Chipotle Aioli
Serve these pan-seared cakes on a salad or a bed of cabbage slaw for a hearty and healthy meal. (Don’t forget the chipotle aioli.)
Amaranth Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce
In this hearty Middle Eastern dish, amaranth teams up with another trendy and nutritious ingredient: spirulina.
Gluten-Free Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
If you’re gluten-free, you don’t have to say goodbye to baked goods—just sub in amaranth and you’re good to go.
Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies
Amaranth flour, buckwheat flour and arrowroot starch keep these ginger cookies soft and chewy. (They’re gluten-free and vegan, too.)
Gluten-Free Savory Amaranth Waffles
Note to self: Popped amaranth and a fried egg are the most amazing toppings for waffles.
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