If you’re pursuing a gluten-free lifestyle, you’ve probably come across amaranth on your travels.
Amaranth is a teeny tiny seed that was eaten by the ancients. Today, we’re learning that this gluten-free grain is extremely nutritious, and this wee seed is making a long overdue comeback here in the western world.
Amaranth contains a lot of protein as far as grains go. One cup of cooked amaranth contains 9.4 grams of protein, as well as 298mg of calcium, a good amount of folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and a score of minerals, including:
• Magnesium (50% DRI for women, 39% for men)
• Manganese (100% DRI for women, 91% for men)
• Phosphorus (50% DRI)
• Potassium (17% DRI)
• Zinc (19% DRI)
• Copper (40% DRI)
• Selenium (25% DRI)
• Iron (29% DRI for women, 65% for men)
Amaranth seeds can be popped like corn! All you need to do is put a couple of tablespoons of amaranth seeds in a very hot pan and stir them until they pop. Get them out of the pan as soon as they have popped and top them with fruit and milk for a healthy, gluten-free cereal.
You can also combine amaranth seeds with hot water and simmer until you end up with porridge.
Amaranth powder is a great gluten-free thickener for soups, stews, and white sauces.
Gone gluten-free? Try our 30 Day Paleo Challenge!