How to make Popped Amaranth (2024)

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Learn how to make popped amaranth! The gluten-free high-protein seed can be popped like popcorn. It takes only 10 minutes to make one cup.

How to make Popped Amaranth (1)

It’s hard to keep up with the long list of “superfoods” out there but this one should definitely make your list. Amaranth is very similar to quinoa. Both seeds are naturally gluten-free and very high in protein.

In case you’ve never heard about Amaranth before, let’s get to the basics:

What is Amaranth?

It’s often called a “pseudograin” because it’s not technically a grain but rather a seed. Exactly like quinoa. Amaranth was a staple food for the Aztecs and has been cultivated for thousands of years.

Today, most Mexicans consume it in a candy bar called “alegría”, which translated means joy. Itis basically popped amaranth mixed with piloncillo (raw cane sugar).

The seeds are even smaller than quinoa seeds. And as opposed to quinoa it doesn’t fluff when cooked in water but rather becomes a sticky mush like oats in porridge.

In small amounts, it is an excellent thickener for soups, sauces, and jams.

Is amaranth gluten-free?

YES! Amaranth is naturally gluten-free because it isn’t a grain. If you are gluten intolerant, even more reason to incorporate amaranth into your diet. Together with quinoa, it’s the best substitute for any grain.

Amaranth is also lower in carbohydrates than for example rice or pasta. So if you are following a low-carb diet this is an amazing side dish for you.

How to make Popped Amaranth (2)

Can amaranth be eaten raw?

Well, it “can”, but there is no point. We can’t digest raw amaranth. It’s like eating raw rice or raw beans. It’ll pass right through our digestive tract without change.

It’s necessary to either cook it or puff it so we can digest it and enjoy the benefits of this amazing superfood. To cook it, you basically cook it just like quinoa or grains. Put Amaranth and water in a saucepan in a 1-2 ratio, bring to the boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-ish minutes or until all water is absorbed.

It becomes all gelatinous and mushy so eat it right away either as porridge with nuts and fruit or with some salt as a side dish.

I’m not a big fan of cooked amaranth which is why I always puff it. The nutty taste of the seed is enhanced and it tastes divine mixed into all kinds of dishes.

How to make Popped Amaranth (3)

How to puff amaranth

It’s easier to make popped amaranth than popcorn. With popcorn, it’s kind of a faith thing. You place the kernels in the pot then you close the lid and pray. You can’t really see what’s happening in the pot. Haha.

With Amaranth it’s different. You do not add a lid. You want to prevent steam building up in the dry pot so no lid! The bad thing about this is, some seeds jump right out of the pot. The good thing, you keep an eye on your seeds and get them to pop beautifully.

Now there are a couple of nitty gritty details to ensure success. And here goes a big shout out to my amazing Mexican husband who did all the testing for me. It was his idea to post this blog post and the tips and tricks are all thanks to his research and testing :)

  1. use a high pot to avoid too many popped amaranth seeds shooting all over the place.
  2. the temperature has to be “PERFECT” so all the seeds immediately puff but none burn. You might have to toss the first two batches you try puffing until you find the perfect temperature of your stovetop. Too hot and they all pop but also all burn ahead of time. Not hot enough and they don’t pop but just burn. On my induction stovetop that goes from 1-9 and with cast iron pot I need to preheat my pot for about 5 minutes on 7 and then the amaranth pops perfectly.
  3. shake the pot often to get all seeds moving to the hot spots of the pot bottom and pop evenly without the popped ones burning.

What to make with popped Amaranth

You can eat popped amaranth just like that. My kids love a mix of just popped amaranth a few maple flakes to sweeten and they spoon it all out of a bowl. It’s a little dry for me like that.

I love adding it to granolas or salads. I also love making Tuna Patties with it and this Midnight Snack that is TO DIE FOR.\

How to make Popped Amaranth (4)

Popped Amaranth

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 cup

Learn how to make popped amaranth! The gluten-free high-protein seed can be popped like popcorn. It takes only 10 minutes to make one cup of popped amaranth.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat a high pot over medium-high heat.

  • Spread about 1 Tablespoon at the time as evenly as possible on the bottom of the hot pot.

  • Wait for the seeds to pop. This should be quite immediate. If they don't pop right away, the pot wasn't hot enough and the seeds won't pop and just burn. Discard that batch and start over.

  • Once the popping starts, shake the pot to ensure all seeds pop and the popped seeds don't burn.

  • Once the puffing ceases remove the popped amaranth and put into a sieve to shake out the unpuffed seeds.

  • Then add the popped amaranth to a bowl and repeat the same process until all amaranth is popped.

  • For every Tablespoon of raw amaranth you'll get about 2 Tablespoons popped amaranth.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 490mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 7.3mg

Course Breakfast, Side, Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword popped amaranth, puffed amaranth

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How to make Popped Amaranth (2024)

FAQs

Can you pop amaranth like popcorn? ›

The gluten-free high-protein seed can be popped like popcorn. It takes only 10 minutes to make one cup. It's hard to keep up with the long list of “superfoods” out there but this one should definitely make your list. Amaranth is very similar to quinoa.

Is puffed amaranth the same as popped? ›

Puffed Amaranth or Popped Rajgira is easy to make gluten free snack that is popped similar to popcorn and consumed as is or in various recipes.

What is the best way to prepare amaranth? ›

Bring 1 ½ cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add amaranth, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Is puffed amaranth healthy? ›

Amaranth has many micronutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help lower cholesterol, aid weight loss, and is gluten-free. It's easy to make and great in any dish.

Can you eat puffed amaranth raw? ›

Ideally, you should not eat amaranth raw but there's nothing necessarily dangerous in doing so. You can remove the anti-nutrients in most foods by soaking or boiling them.

Is amaranth inflammatory? ›

The anti-inflammatory properties of peptides and oils in amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic conditions where inflammation erodes your health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Can I pop amaranth in the microwave? ›

Packed with protein and other nutrients, amaranth seeds can be simmered in water, popped like popcorn, or even made into a quick breakfast porridge in the microwave.

What amaranth is not edible? ›

Nearly all amaranths are edible, including love-lies-bleeding and even the common roadside weedy forms. Those sold as edible varieties are selected for their good seed production and especially tasty leaves.

Why is my amaranth not popping? ›

The important thing here is to let the pot heat up for a good long time, maybe 4-5 minutes. If you splash a bit of water into the pan, and it sizzles, rather than shooting around like balls, the pot isn't hot enough. You don't need oil to pop amaranth.

Is popped amaranth good for you? ›

Amaranth packs a significant nutritional punch. Boasting 13 to 14% protein, amaranth is a great addition to vegan diets where protein sources are all plant-based. It is a complete protein source, as it contains lysine along with the other essential amino acids.

How to tell if amaranth is rancid? ›

If it isn't moldy, check to see if there is any odor coming from the amaranth. If it doesn't fall under either of those conditions, the taste can be off. It should be sweet and nutty. If it isn't, it may be rancid.

Is amaranth better than oatmeal? ›

Amaranth is an ancient grain with a slightly sweet, nutty taste that works well in place of oatmeal. In addition to being gluten-free, amaranth is a good source of several key nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and manganese ( 1 ).

Is it necessary to soak amaranth before cooking? ›

Soaking: If you have the time, consider soaking the amaranth overnight before cooking. "Soaking the grains makes their nutrients easier to digest and shortens the cooking time," says Ziata. Simply combine amaranth and water in a large bowl, completely submerging the grains.

Can you pop amaranth in the microwave? ›

Packed with protein and other nutrients, amaranth seeds can be simmered in water, popped like popcorn, or even made into a quick breakfast porridge in the microwave.

How do you harvest amaranth at home? ›

Harvesting amaranth grain

Harvest amaranth seed heads once they begin to turn brown. Cut the spikes and place them in a paper bag to dry completely. Once they are dry, shake the bag to separate the grain. You can blow off the chaff before eating the seeds.

Can you put amaranth in an air popper? ›

Good news is my baby was fine with me eating it. That's when I started to do research and experiment with it. When I read somewhere amaranth can be popped like popcorn and eaten like cereal, I immediately dropped some in my popcorn air popper.

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