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Home > Blog

02.29.12 Amaranth

Blueberries 'n' Cream Amaranth Porridge

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Second chances.

I am one of those people that try and not judge at face value.  I believe that people can change (if motivated to do so) and I believe for the most part people (and things) deserve a second chance.

I know this can be naive but I prefer more to look at it in an optimistic way.  Life is too full of disappointment to potentially pass up something that may have been okay on a second chance.  People grow, mature, and taste change- nothing stays stagnant.  And if the second time doesn't work out, I feel the saying “you live, you learn” works well.  Everything is a learning experience.

Take for example my first experience with amaranth.

I was a wide-eyed girl wanting to eat more unprocessed foods.  I stocked up on various bulk bin items and I was determined to cook my way through them.  I fell in love with quinoa, cooked up pounds of dried beans, and rekindled a love for oatmeal.

But then there was amaranth.

I had high hopes.  The little power packed seed came from such a beautiful herb plant-how could it not be wonderful?  I had a whole meal planned out for it but it flopped.  Before I knew it, I had a pot full of mush and tiny amaranth seeds all over my kitchen.

One chance and I was done.  I had been happy I had tackled so much out of the bulk bin that one "failure" wasn't going to hurt.  I moved on and shoved my amaranth to the back of the cupboard.

Then I ran across this pumpkin pie porridge on Sarah's blog (My New Roots).  Was I ready to give amaranth a second chance?

I followed Sarah's recipe fairly closely.  She recommends you soak the amaranth at least 8 hours (up to 24) to unlock the nutrients and to help it aid in digestion.  I simply measured out the amaranth and stuck it in water the night before (I found a small pan with a tight fitting lid worked well to drain and rinse it the next morning.)

With spring just around the corner I'm working on finishing the last of my harvest that I had frozen.  I'd been saving these blueberries for something special and sure enough, this worked perfect.

I cooked the amaranth, stirred the blueberries, and snapped away photos.  It looked delicious but I still wasn't sold.  I needed a taste.

Sure enough, the result was a delicious and extremely healthy breakfast that was truly soul satisfying.  I gave amaranth a second chance and I’m glad I did.

Sometimes it pays to be an optimist.

(For more information on Amaranth, I suggest you hop over to Sarah's wonderful blog post!)

Print

Blueberries 'n' Cream Amaranth Porridge

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Erin Alderson
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup amaranth, uncooked
  • 1 cup water (or coconut milk)
  • 1 cup blueberries, frozen or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ vanilla bean
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (or coconut milk)
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Soak Amaranth over night (if possible.)
  2. Drain and rinse amaranth. Combine with one cup water and pinch of salt. Bring amaranth to a boil, and reduce to a simmer (all the way to low.) Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 more minutes to thicken amaranth.
  3. In a separate pot add blueberries, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Scrap out vanilla bean and toss both the seeds and the pod into the blueberries. Heat over low until blueberries are heated through (making sure not to boil the heavy cream.)
  4. Serve by pouring blueberry liquid in the bottom, followed by amaranth, then top with blueberries.

Notes

I have to imagine this would work well with any type of berry!

*Slightly adapted from Sarah at My New Roots

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @naturallyella on Instagram and hashtag it #naturallyella

For a couple more great ways to use Amaranth I highly suggest you check out Maria's blog (Scandi Foodie) for a recipe using fresh Amaranth and Ashley's blog (edible perspective) for puffing amaranth and making cereal! 

More recipes you may enjoy

  • Amaranth Porridge with Maple-Meyer Lemon Curd
  • Amaranth Porridge with Caramelized Bananas and Pecans
  • Coconut Rhubarb Amaranth Porridge
  • Amaranth Porridge with Roasted Pears

Reader Interactions

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  1. Marina says

    February 29, 2012 at 7:39 am

    I have amaranth in my cupboard, and really need to give it another try as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Margarita says

    February 29, 2012 at 8:49 am

    Never heard of amaranth, but this looks divine. Erin, I really wish I lived close to you. Love all your healthy ideas for food. I love freezing berries too and I only pull them out for special things I make them with.

    Reply
    • erin says

      February 29, 2012 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you! I've really started savory seasonal produce more (and usually end up clinging to summer through my freezer.) I'm really hoping to get canning this summer too!

      Reply
  3. sweet road says

    February 29, 2012 at 10:21 am

    This looks like such a great combination of ingredients. Simple, but with such depth! I'll have to try this soon.

    ps- I still get a ton of views coming from your site from when you made my banana chip recipe... wow, thanks!!

    Reply
    • erin says

      February 29, 2012 at 4:06 pm

      Ha... that still seems to be one of my more popular post and I'm happy traffic still flows to your sight. I love those chips!

      Reply
  4. Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Now this is one delicious porridge! I haven't cooked with amaranth in quite awhile. I need to change that and make this yummy recipe.

    Reply
  5. Alyssa @ Everyday Maven says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    This is a fantastic use for amaranth. I would love that for breakfast!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Joanne says

    February 29, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    Amaranth is one grain that I haven't seemed to try yet! I'm not sure what I'm waiting for but this delicious breakfast sounds like the perfect jumping off point!

    Reply
  7. Jacqui says

    February 29, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    I still haven't tried amaranth yet! I need to get on that soon. I'm still using up all my frozen berries from last year too, it's such a nice treat this time of year!

    Reply
    • erin says

      March 01, 2012 at 9:27 am

      I've been holding on... I can't wait for spring/summer!

      Reply
  8. Cara says

    February 29, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    I have yet to try amaranth, but it's been on my list since seeing Sarah's recipe, and yours confirms it's a must-try!

    Reply
  9. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says

    March 01, 2012 at 5:49 am

    What a great idea! I need to get myself some amaranth!

    Reply
  10. K&B N. says

    March 01, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Yum ! My stomach is growling.

    ratedkb.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Kasey says

    March 01, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    I've had similar experiences (not with amaranth, but other things) and I'm starting to believe that it really does pay to be an optimist!

    Reply
  12. Katherine Hunter says

    March 01, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    amaranth is very high in iron / i ate a lot of it simmered in homemade broth when i was on an iron rich diet for anemia / i like the idea of cooking it in coconut milk and having it sweet instead of savory / going to go soak some tonight !

    Reply
  13. Veggie Wonder says

    March 04, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    This looks really good, can't wait to try it! I was not totally sold on amaranth the first time I tried it, but it has been growing on me. Thank you for the idea!

    Reply
  14. Shannalee says

    March 16, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Love this! I too bought amaranth recently, eager to unlock the power of this good grain, but I've been searching around online for ideas of what to do. So excited to try porridge!

    Reply
  15. Márcia Gonçalves says

    April 12, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    I also had a bad experience with amaranth and now I'm trying it again ! Thanks 😉

    Reply
  16. Susanmcclarty says

    June 20, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    Don't know how you are with another amaranth recipe...but these are delicious:) it takes a few tries to pop the amaranth just right... But totally worth the effort:)
    http://iknowsquat.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/day-80-popped-amaranth-peanut-butter-cups-youll-want-to-open-this/

    Reply
  17. Betsy says

    August 09, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Preparing this recipe right now, but with a mixed berry that includes some blueberries. Super excited to try amaranth! Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Betsy says

      August 09, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Delicious! I used a lot of berries, and just wanted to update that it was a complete success. Thanks again!

      Reply
  18. Helen Ingram says

    September 01, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Thanks for your recipe! I'm trying amaranth for the first time today and am slightly daunted by the smell of it cooking. Trying to go Body Ecology Diet and this is one of the four grains allowed. 😉

    Reply
  19. lupe lopez says

    September 23, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    I can't wait to try this

    Reply
  20. marla says

    October 26, 2012 at 7:07 am

    Such a beautiful breakfast!!

    Reply
  21. Karissa says

    November 04, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    I've tried amaranth twice now as a savory dinner side and both times it's tasted a lot like dirt. However neither of my recipes said anything about soaking overnight. Hoping that's the key to keeping this from sucking my will to keep trying!

    Reply
  22. Lucia Belen Metcalf says

    December 13, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    is amaranth wheat? Like the wheat grains they sell right next to the oats? If not, where do I buy it?

    Reply
    • elalderson says

      December 16, 2012 at 9:32 am

      It's not wheat but can be found in some stores or online

      Reply
  23. Bethany says

    July 15, 2014 at 9:20 am

    I made this with nectarines this morning for my 3-year-old and I. Very good! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  24. Mars says

    November 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    First time I tried amaranth is was a difficult grain to like. I gave it a second try with this recipe and I have to say I liked my amaranth...I just had to add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. I also added blackberries and it made it awesome!!!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  25. Cara says

    January 01, 2016 at 6:22 am

    Just tried this morning. Have tried with just sweeterner (honey or maple syrup), milk (coconut or cow's) and vanilla or cinnamon. it was ok. THIS however, was awesome. Even the three year old ate it. The blueberries added such a sweet tart taste on top of the creamy amaranth. Thank you!!! Oh, and i did not soak overnight b/c just decided to make this morning

    Reply
  26. Steffi says

    January 14, 2017 at 1:37 am

    Very yummi! Just tried this morning:-) Thank you

    Reply
  27. Smithy says

    December 08, 2017 at 3:00 am

    I've been working my way through the various alternative grains, after being forced to completely change my diet due to ill health. Quinoa and Buckwheat I love, have one of those as a porrige near every morning (with a dollop of butter only). Today I tried amaranth, after scouting around looking for cooking and recipe ideas.

    I have to say, it was a brown mush (although I was spared having them all over my kitchen) and at first I thought horribly unappetising. however after letting them sit for a bit and a wedge of butter melted on top, they started to look more inviting.

    Thanks for the recipe idea, and also the link to Sarah B's blog.

    Happily, they were delicious! Sort of nutty and crunchy, and creamy smooth all at the same time (I don't use any sweet stuff whatsoever). I have to say I will be coming back for more.

    Reply
    • Smithy says

      December 08, 2017 at 3:02 am

      Whoops, those last two paras got somehow twisted lol.

      Reply
  28. Annie says

    October 25, 2019 at 7:23 am

    I keep coming back to this recipe when I need something a bit different, and I always wonder why I don’t make it more (I suppose it’s because of the overnight soaking). It’s very nourishing and feels decadent. The cream really takes it to the next level.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  29. Tasha Huesca says

    December 13, 2022 at 4:20 am

    Mmm.. so good. This was the recipe I used the first time I tried amaranth and I just keep coming back to it. My 16 yo boy child even likes it. Thank you for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Recipe Round Up~ Capping Off Blueberry Week | says:
    03.8.12 at 6:08 pm

    [...] A breakfast recipe from the gorgeous blog Naturally Ella with amaranth, a grain comparable to quinoa- yes please. [...]

    Reply
  2. | Pretty and FitPretty and Fit says:
    08.29.12 at 5:25 am

    [...] Blueberries & Cream Porridge (Source: https://naturallyella.com/2012/02/29/blueberries-n-cream-amaranth-porridge/) [...]

    Reply
  3. Blueberry Lemon Amaranth Porridge | Pas de Deux Blog says:
    08.29.12 at 7:10 am

    [...] to use my favorite light and fresh flavor combination: blueberry and lemon. I loosely followed Erin’s recipe, but I omitted the cream and added a scoop of yogurt on top. Light and Fresh: Lemon and [...]

    Reply
  4. Eat Very Local Challenge: Day Six, Running on Plants « Garden Eats – Tales of how our garden’s produce makes its way to the kitchen table says:
    10.6.12 at 10:26 pm

    [...] Amaranth porridge with blueberry-plum-honey compote, 1 orange, potatoes, 1 1/2 fried eggs [...]

    Reply
  5. Best 17 Delicious Healthy Breakfast Recipes You can Make at Home - Health and Beauty Updates says:
    10.25.12 at 3:15 am

    [...] Blueberries ‘n’ Cream Amaranth Porridge from staging.mushy-point.flywheelsites.com [...]

    Reply
  6. My Staple Recipes | Naturally Ella says:
    11.14.12 at 7:08 am

    [...] Blueberries ‘n’ Cream Amaranth Porridge: Another great weekday breakfast. This is always changing depending on the fruit I have at the time.  Fall often has apples and pears as a topping with the occasional variation if I managed to freeze fruit from the summer. [...]

    Reply
  7. amaranth porridge with mangos and coconut | Scaling Back says:
    12.21.12 at 11:07 pm

    [...] added fiber, nutrients and protein in dishes that are usually made with white flour.  I saw this recipe on Naturally Ella a beautiful blog with amazing photography and recipes that you must check out and [...]

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  8. Eat the Rainbow: Buckwheat and Blueberry Porridge | Health starts with You says:
    03.9.13 at 9:24 pm

    [...] and Blueberry Porridge *inspired by Naturally Ella‘s [...]

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