Amaranth Recipes You Have to Try

These tiny seeds are highly nutritious, providing a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, pantothenic acid, B-vitamins, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and manganese. They can be boiled, like rice, ground into a gluten-free flour for baking, popped like popcorn or made into a nutritious porridge. Amaranth has a relatively strong, complex flavour, with nutty, sweet and earthy notes.

Savoury recipes with amaranth grain

As a grain, amaranth can be used to add interest to salads, curries and more. It can be cooked like rice, or puffed like popcorn. 

Amaranth salad

The nutty flavour of amaranth works perfectly with tender roast cauliflower in this healthy grain bowl salad from Naturally Ella.

Carrot and amaranth polenta

A deliciously warming winter broth from Naturally Ella, made using sweet carrot purée and amaranth. Add whatever toppings you fancy.

Vegetable coconut amaranth pilaf

A flavourful alternative to the classic rice dish, this simple dish from Kiipfit is made with sweet coconut milk, aromatic vegetables and spices for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Amaranth cakes with lentils, kale and chipotle aioli

These vegan patties by Feasting at Home are deliciously nutty and a little spicy, and taste great drizzled with vegan chipotle aioli.

Cauliflower schnitzel with puffed amaranth crust

A vegan, gluten-free take on the classic schnitzel from One Green Planet, this dish is the perfect combination of tender cauliflower and a well-seasoned, crispy amaranth coating. 

Sweet recipes with amaranth grain

Amaranth can also be made into porridge or pudding, and it’s sweet, nutty flavour works beautifully with other sweet flavours like fruit or chocolate.

Maple maca amaranth porridge

This simple, tasty porridge from One Green Planet is the perfect start to your day, and tastes great topped with a handful of berries.

Amaranth porridge with caramelised bananas and pecans

This yummy porridge from Naturally Ella is the perfect healthy treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Baked amaranth pudding

This sweet, gooey dessert from Running to the Kitchen is gluten and dairy free, packed with sweet cherries and flavoured with vanilla and cinnamon. An earthy nutty flavour and it’s good for you! What’s not to like?!

Dark chocolate amaranth pudding

This rich, chocolatey dessert from The Healthy Toast tastes just like chocolate brownie batter, and is both gluten-free and suitable for vegans.

Savoury recipes with amaranth flour

Amaranth can be ground into a tasty, gluten-free flour with a pronounced nutty flavour, which is great for baking all kinds of gluten-free goodies. 

Rajgira ke wade amaranth flour savoury dumplings

These aromatic Indian dumplings from Simply Vegetarian 777 are deep-fried for a soft, fluffy middle and a satisfying, crispy outside. 

Amaranth tikkis

These crispy amaranth patties from NDTV are flavoured with sautéed red pepper and zucchini, with lemon zest, garam masala and chilli, and pan-fried until golden.

Gluten-free savoury amaranth waffles

These these gluten-free waffles by Snixy Kitchen are the perfect way to turn breakfast into brunch.

Amaranth crackers

These healthy baked crackers from Everyday Nourishing Foods are made with amaranth and chickpea flour and seasoned with rosemary for a savoury, herby flavour that tastes great with cheese.

Savoury amaranth flour pancakes

Another tasty Indian recipe from Conscious Food, these spicy, savoury pancakes taste great with pickles and chutneys.

Sweet recipes with amaranth flour

Treat yourself to these yummy cakes and muffins, all baked using amaranth flour.

Amaranth flour healthy cake

This simple sponge cake from Cookpad is made with amaranth flour and chopped nuts for an irresistibly sweet, nutty flavour.

Amaranth coffee and walnut cake with maple cream

This tasty, coffee-flavoured cake from Cook Republic is topped with an irresistibly sweet maple cream and makes a great addition to a gluten-free afternoon tea.

Gluten-free amaranth muffins with raspberries

These gluten-free muffins are soft and fluffy, and full of sweet, juicy raspberries for the perfect breakfast treat.

Gluten-free, egg-free banana brownies

These gooey, moist brownies from Eggless Cooking are gluten-free as well as egg-free for an irresistible treat that almost anyone can enjoy.

Banana bread

This delicious loaf cake from Saffron Streaks is another egg-free treat, and tastes great with your mid-morning cup of coffee.

How to cook amaranth

Amaranth is quick and easy to cook. Follow our simple, step-by-step instructions for perfect amaranth every time.

Step 1. Add 3 cups of water to a large pan and bring to the boil.

Step 2. Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of amaranth, then stir and cover.

Step 3. Simmer for around 20 minutes, until the water has been absorbed.

Step 4. Serve and enjoy.

How to use amaranth leaves

Amaranth is known mainly for its seeds, but many varieties also have edible leaves, and in some East Asian countries the plant is cultivated for its leaves rather than its seeds. Amaranth leaves have a slightly sweet, spinachy flavour, and are sometimes referred to as Chinese spinach. They are used in similar ways to spinach and other leafy greens, and can be added raw to salads, or used in stir-fries, soups, and curries.

Amaranth vs quinoa