Sunday, July 20, 2008

Amaranth



This is the first post for my fledgling blog. Please be kind.

Tonight I made some amaranth, which I got from the health-food store. I wanted to try it since I'd seen it many times over the years; but had never had the opportunity to sample it. I took a chance and I think tonight's experiment was successful.

3 c cool water
1 c amaranth
1 tsp olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

I followed package directions for the amaranth: 1 cup amaranth to three cups water, then season and simmer. It was very easy to prepare, as you can see; however while the package suggested 25 minutes would absorb the water, I found it took me much closer to 40. Just keep an eye on it, and when most of the water is absorbed and it's bubbling up porridge-like, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for five minutes. Seasoning could definitely be changed to taste.

1 can chick peas, 15.5 oz.
1/4 bag mixed frozen vegetables
3 TB sofrito
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder (Optional. there is already some garlic in the sofrito.)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

I combined all ingredients in a saucepan and cooked on low heat till the frozen veggies were getting hot. I stirred frequently. Unfortunately I did not time it; but I think it took no more than 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat.

After both parts were ready, I simply spooned some of the amaranth into a bowl, then topped it with some of the chick pea mixture. This was very filling and healthy - in fact one could use even less of the salt and olive oil if desired. This recipe made three hearty servings, and could make 4-5 smaller servings easily.

4 comments:

Little Kenny said...

Sounds and looks good Bev. Welcome back to blogging too. ;)

~lk

megan stemm-wade said...

Yum!

Hunter said...

I thought that I had never tried amaranth, but I just read that it's also called Chinese Spinach.

I've had Chinese Spinach, but who knows if it's actually the same thing. What was the flavor of the amaranth?

Hope you're having a nice day.
Darilyn

Beverly said...

Hey Darilyn! The amaranth was the grain; but the leaves may have been what you had. I liked the amaranth, and would call the flavour earthy and nutty.