Meet amaranth, an ancient grain originally eaten by the Aztecs in what's now central Mexico. Today, it's making its way into all sorts of modern dishes. We love to substitute it for rice or quinoa or add it to baked goods, like muffins and waffles. Try these 20 easy amaranth recipes, like soft and chewy ginger cookies, lively lemon poppy seed muffins and amaranth chicken burgers, and you're bound to be converted. (Oh, did we mention amaranth is gluten-free and packed with protein?)
20 Easy Amaranth Recipes to Make at Home
Quinoa is so yesterday
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Published Nov 28, 2023
Snixy Kitchen
What Is Amaranth?
Amaranth is widely mistaken for a grain—it's actually a seed, says Real Simple. It's a mild, slightly nutty-tasting pseudocereal that can be boiled to be used in lieu of rice or quinoa, or ground up into flour for baking. It's gluten-free and rich in both iron and protein, making it a healthy addition to any diet. According to Healthline, it could potentially help you lower your cholesterol or lose weight.
1. Gluten-Free Sweet Amaranth Waffles with Spiced Chai Poached Pears
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
Amaranth flour and whole-grain amaranth are used in these hearty, gluten-free waffles. The amaranth flour is combined with sweet rice flour (which is different from brown or white rice flour.) Candied popped amaranth adds a sweet finishing touch, making it the ultimate weekend brunch dish.
2. Gluten-Free Amaranth Tortillas and Vegetarian Breakfast Tacos
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, high protein
Mix amaranth with other ancient grains for a stellar gluten-free tortilla. Try them with these vegetarian-friendly breakfast tacos. The filling is made up of black beans, eggs, veggies, spices and herbs—but feel free to get creative with what you put in there.
3. Lively Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Combine amaranth, oat and cornmeal with Meyer lemon and puréed carrots for the most delicious gluten-free, vegan muffins of all time. The carrot adds bright color, as well as healthy carotenes and other good vitamins, to every bite.
4. Peanut Butter Espresso Banana Bread
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, kid-friendly, crowd pleaser
Wake up to the delicious combination of espresso and peanut butter. Over ripe bananas are best, because they're mushy and prevent waste—but if that isn't possible just ripe is fine!
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
These delicious, crunchy bites combine popped amaranth with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and candied ginger. Munch on it as a stand-alone snack, or throw atop some Greek yogurt...yum.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: no bake, vegan, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
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). They keep for five days in the fridge, but you can also freeze them for much longer.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, high protein, <30 minutes
The secret to keeping chicken burgers light and moist? Amaranth. Cook it in advance to make this recipe extra quick and easy. Although fine breadcrumbs are fair game in a pinch, panko breadcrumbs are preferable.
8. Magic Multigrain Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
- Time Commitment: 12 hours and 20 minutes (includes soaking time)
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Any ancient grain, including amaranth, works in this delicious homemade whole-wheat bread. Topping the loaf with poppy seeds or oats adds texture and an artisanal touch.
9. Rhubarb Apple Amaranth Porridge
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegan, high protein
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. Consider adding coconut yogurt too for added dairy-free creaminess.
10. Amaranth Cakes with Lentils, Kale and Chipotle Aioli
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, high protein, kid-friendly
Serve these pan-seared cakes on a salad or a bed of cabbage slaw for a hearty, healthy meal (and don't forget the chipotle aioli). Ground flax might seem like a random ingredient, but it's a binding agent—so don't leave it out.
11. Amaranth Falafel with Green Tahini Sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: vegan, high protein, kid-friendly
In this hearty Middle Eastern dish, amaranth teams up with another trendy and nutritious ingredient: spirulina. Spirulina should never be cooked, so instead it acts as a healthy addition to the dressing.
12. Gluten-Free Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, dairy-free, <30 minutes, high protein, kid-friendly
If you’re gluten-free, you don’t have to say goodbye to baked goods—just sub in amaranth for AP flour and you’re good to go. These can be frozen for up to three months, so make 'em ahead and enjoy for weeks to come.
13. Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, make ahead, high protein, kid-friendly
Amaranth flour, buckwheat flour and arrowroot starch keep these ginger cookies soft and chewy. (They’re gluten-free and vegan to boot.) Enjoy as a snack, dessert or even for breakfast—we won't tell.
14. Gluten-Free Savory Amaranth Waffles
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Hot take: Popped amaranth and a fried egg are the most divine toppings for waffles. Feel free to switch up the toppings—swap arugula for kale, add caramelized onions...whatever tickles your fancy.
15. Whole-Grain, Gluten-Free Pasta
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Making pasta never seemed so easy (or healthy, for that matter). Serve with your favorite sauce—butter, pesto, marinara...the pantry is your oyster—and all the grated Parm.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: high fiber, make ahead, dairy-free (optional), kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
This nutritious granola adds delicious, satisfying fiber to your morning breakfast or snack. It's also the perfect holiday gift, if you have a few mason jars and ribbons for wrapping.
17. Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: gluten free, vegan, special occasion-worthy
This vegan and gluten-free bread isn't only to be enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day. It accompanies most hearty dinners like a charm. If you're going nut-free, swap the almond milk for oat.
18. Build Your Own Mediterranean Grain Bowl
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: make ahead, gluten-free, vegan
These grain bowls are ideal for anyone on the Mediterranean diet. You can obviously pick your own grains, proteins and veggies, but amaranth adds fiber, vitamins, iron and protein to your lunch or dinner.
19. Herb and Garlic Amaranth Crackers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, vegan, gluten free
Here's the secret to flat, crispy crackers: Prick them with a fork to prevent them from puffing up in the oven. Serve with a soft Brie or a mild cheddar to really enjoy the aromatic herbaceous flavor.
20. Blueberry, Almond and Puffed Amaranth Granola Bars
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Popping amaranth can be tricky, but the recipe reiterates that the secret is making sure your pan is hot enough. If the amaranth doesn't start popping immediately, it needs to heat up longer.